dermatologic disorders
Impetigo and Ecthyma
Symptoms and Signs of Impetigo and Ecthyma
Nonbullous impetigotypically manifests as clusters of vesicles or pustules that rupture and develop a honey-colored crust (exudate from the lesion base) over the lesions. Smaller lesions may coalesce into larger crusted plaques. Bullous impetigois similar except that vesicles typically enlarge rapidly to form bullae. The bullae burst and expose larger bases, which become covered with honey-colored varnish or crust. This photo shows clusters of vesicles and pustules with developing honey-colored crust on the nose. DR P. MARAZZI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY This image shows crusted perinasal plaques of impetigo on the face of a child. Image courtesy of Wingfield Rehmus, MD, MPH. Nonbullous impetigo is a superficial skin infection that manifests as clusters of vesicles or pustules that rupture and develop a honey-colored crust. Image provided by Thomas Habif, MD. This photo shows bullous impetigo on an infant's abdomen. The infection begins as an erythematous patch, which develops into small pustules that join together, eventually forming crusty yellow blisters (bullae). SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY Bullous impetigo is a superficial skin infection that manifests as clusters of vesicles or pustules that enlarge rapidly to form bullae. The bullae burst and expose larger bases, which become covered with honey-colored varnish or crust. Image provided by Thomas Habif, MD. Ecthymais a form of impetigo characterized by small, purulent, shallow, punched-out ulcers with thick, brown-black crusts and surrounding erythema. Impetigo and ecthyma cause mild pain or discomfort. Pruritus is common; scratching may spread infection, inoculating adjacent and nonadjacent skin. 