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Impetigo
Impetigo

Impetigo

Introduction

Is a contagious primary infection of the skin involving the stratum corneum of epidermis. It is particularly common in children and people in disadvantaged areas. Self-inoculation and small family or community outbreaks are frequent.

Note: Impetigo is a clinical diagnosis and the typical location in children is around orifices, especially the mouth

Signs & symptoms

• Polycyclic vesicles or blisters, which can contain pus
• Early lesions are isolated or confluent Erosions and yellowish crusts (“honeycolored”)

Diagnostic criteria

• Polycyclic vesicles or blisters, which can contain pus
• Early lesions are isolated or confluent Erosions and yellowish crusts (“honeycolored”)

Investigation

Not needed

Treatment

  • Non-Pharmacological treatment

    • Improve person hygiene
    • Hand washing
    • Wash lesions with soap and water
    • Remove crust

  • Pharmacological

    Wet dressing with weak Potassium Permanganate (PP) soaks, 1:40000 (0.025%) solution 12 hourly for 3–4 days. Each session to last for 15 to 20 minutes

    G.V paint 0.5% 12 hourly for 5 days

    OR

    Mupirocin 2% 12 hourly for 5–7 days

    OR

    Fusidine 12 hourly for 5–7 days

    If severe or systemic symptoms are present (e.g. pyrexia) add an oral antibiotic:

    Phenoxymethylpenicillin 500mg (PO) 6 hourly for 7 days; and for children: 25mg/kg given 6 hourly

    OR

    Erythromycin (PO) for 10 days; Adults 500mg 6 hourly; Children 25— 50mg/kg 8 hourly

    OR

    Amoxicillin + Clavulanic acid 625mg (PO) 8 hourly for 5 days

Prevention

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Updated on,

3 Novemba 2020 10:11:25

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References

    1. STG
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