skin disorders
Impetigo and Ecthyma
Introduction
Impetigois a superficial skin infection that leads to the formation of scabby, yellow-crusted sores and, sometimes, small blisters filled with yellow fluid. It is caused byStaphylococcus aureus,Streptococcus pyogenes, or both.Ecthymais a form of impetigo that causes sores deeper in the skin. (See also Overview of Bacterial Skin Infections .) Impetigo is common. It affects mostly children. Impetigo can occur anywhere on the body but most commonly occurs on the face, arms, and legs. One form of impetigo causes blisters (bullous impetigo) that vary in size and can last for days to weeks. Impetigo often affects normal skin but may develop after an injury or a condition that causes a break in the skin, such as a fungal infection, sunburn, or an insect bite. Poor hygiene and a moist environment are also risk factors. Some people have staphylococci or streptococci bacteria living in their nose that does not cause infection. They are called nasal carriers. Carriers are people who have the bacteria but do not have any symptoms caused by the bacteria. Carriers can move the bacteria from their nose to other body parts with their hands, sometimes leading to recurring infections or to spreading infection to other people. Impetigo is very contagious—both to other areas of the person’s own skin and to other people. 