Latest Updated 2023 NR 511
Final Exam Study Guide
Impetigo Bacterial Skin Rash
Impetigo is a highly contagious skin infection that is caused by
... [Show More] staphylococcus (staph) and streptococcus (strep) bacteria. It is
most common amongst children aged between 2- 6 years than adults. This skin infection may often start as a minor scratch or
appear as a red sore on theupper lip – similar to a cold sore or fever blister.
It then forms a blister that ruptures and secretes to form a yellowish-brown crust. Impetigo is spread by direct contact to others
from sharing towels, clothing, toys and other personal items. These sores may also spread to other parts of the body including the
face or hands as well as to otherpeoplefrom scratching or touching.
There are types of impetigo, non-bullous and bullous impetigo. Non-bullous impetigo is the most
common form and iscaused by staphylococcus and streptococcus bacteria. It is
characterized by tiny blisters or scabs that form yellowish-brown crusts. Bullous impetigo is caused
by staphylococcus bacteria which produces toxins that cause breakage in the skin.
The symptoms and signs of non-bullous and bullous impetigo include:
Non-bullous impetigo
Affects the nose, face, arms, and legs
Appears as small blisters or scabs
Forms yellow or honey-colored crusts
Bullous impetigo
Appears in various skin areas such as buttocks
Blisters leave red, raw skin with ragged edge
What Causes Impetigo?
Impetigo is caused by two types of bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus (staph) and Streptococcus
pyogenes or hemolytic (strep). Both types of bacteria are known to thrive wherever there is close
contact with large groups of people, particularly in schools or daycare environments. Staph and strep
bacteria are harmless until they enter through a wound and cause an infection. Children are more
likely to develop impetigo through a cut, scrapes, burns or insect bite or if the skin has already been
irritated by other skin problems such as eczema, poison ivy, chicken pox or allergies. Impetigo in
adults comes about as a result of injury to the skin, also by skin conditions such as dermatitis.
Risk factors include:
Weak Immune system
Poor hygiene habits
Direct contact with a person who has impetigo
Using personal items such as towels, linen or clothing of a person with impetigo
Anemia
Chronic dermatitis
Malnutrition, lack of vegetables in diet
Crowded conditions
Participation in skin-to-skin contact sports such as football
Warm, humid weather
People with diabetes or a compromised immune system [Show Less]