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Article: Impetigo: taking on a common skin infection: seen frequently in children, this skin disease can affect patients of all ages. Knowing the proper therapy and how to prevent dissemination is crucial.(Cover story)
- Article from:
- Clinical Advisor
- Article date:
- July 1, 2009
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2009 Haymarket Media, Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Impetigo is a common skin infection most often caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. The infection can be primary, occurring in undetected minor superficial breaks in the skin, or secondary to a pre-existing skin disease, a process known as "impetiginization" For example, impetiginization can occur in lesions of eczema, molluscum contagiosum, scabies, or herpes infections. While classic impetigo is most commonly seen in children 2-6 years old, patients of all ages are susceptible.
Types of impetigo
Remember the classic "honey-colored crusts" described in textbooks and test questions? How about the picture ...