Impetigo Research Paper

Term: Impetigo

Definition: A contagious skin infection that is caused by either staphylococcal or streptococcal bacteria and is distinguished by superficial pustules and thick yellow crusts, most commonly occurring in children.1

Overview: Impetigo is a common and highly contagious infection of the skin, which generally occurs in infants and children between the ages of two and five. 2 Impetigo can also affect older children and adult, but is less common in these populations. Impetigo can be classified as either nonbullous, also referred to as impetigo contagiosa, or bullous. The most common form of impetigo is non-bullous.1

Signs and Symptoms: Non-bullous impetigo is characterized by red sores that rupture and end up forming a golden crust on the affected area of the skin. 3 Symptoms can include mild itching and soreness and in more severe cases symptoms may include fever and swollen lymph nodes. 2
Though, use of protective gloves and frequent handwashing will decrease the risk of transmission if working with a patient that has impetigo. 2 A physical therapist would not typically address symptoms of impetigo, but if they did it would be mainly educating the patient on proper hygiene techniques to limit the spread of
Once impetigo is treated it is anticipated that the infected area will make a full recovery. Even if the impetigo is not treated it is expected that the infection will resolve itself within two weeks. 3 If the impetigo is treated with an antibiotic ointment the sores will usually begin to heal within a week and the patient should no longer be contagious when the sores dry up. 2 If an oral antibiotic is administered the infection should not be contagious after 24 hours. 2 There is rarely any scarring once the infection has been