Diagnosis
H&P:
Causative agents: Streptococcus pyogenes and MSSA
Common distribution/presentation: Poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis.
Possible complications (rare):
Ddx
Diagnostic criteria
Treatment
Based on extent.
-Localized disease; one or a few lesions – Mupirocin 2% ointment/cream; OR Fusidic acid 2% ointment; OR Retapamulin 1% ointment (Altabax)
-Extensive disease; multiple lesions – Systemic antibiotic: Cephalexin (Keflex) PO.
-If you suspect MRSA, use clindamycin.
**
Don’t use Penicillin.
Don’t use Bactrim alone. It covers MRSA but doesn’t adequately cover for streptococcal infection
Background
“A contagious skin infection, usually of children, that is caused by staphylococcal or streptococcal bacteria and is marked by superficial pustules and thick yellow crusts, commonly on the face.” thefreedictionary.com
“(Pathology) a contagious bacterial skin disease characterized by the formation of pustules that develop into yellowish crusty sores
[C16: from Latin: scabby eruption, from impetere to assail; see impetus; for form, compare vertigo]” thefreedictionary.com
MSSA=methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus
Reference
Habif, Thomas P. Clinical Dermatology: A Color Guide to Diagnosis and Therapy. Edinburgh: Mosby, 2010; 5th Edition, Chapter 9
Am Fam Physician. 2014 Aug 15;90(4):229-235. Impetigo: Diagnosis and Treatment. https://www.aafp.org/afp/2014/0815/p229.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Impetigo