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This image displays intact blisters and crusted erosions showing the spectrum of skin lesions typical of impetigo.
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Signs and Symptoms
There are 2 common forms of impetigo: impetigo with blisters or impetigo without blisters (fluid-filled bubbles on the skin surface).
Non-blistering impetigo:
- Tiny pimples or red areas quickly turn into oozing, honey-colored, crusted patches (usually less than an inch) that spread.
- The face or injured (traumatized) areas of the skin are affected.
- There may be some itching or swollen lymph nodes, but the child feels generally well.
- Sometimes deeper, pus-filled sores and scabs that leave scars occur.
Blistering:
- Painless blisters (about an inch or less) occur that may break easily.
- These often spread to the face, trunk, arms, or legs.
- The person feels generally well.
The infection may be:
- Mild – Only a few of either type of lesion over a small area of skin, and the child feels well otherwise.
- Moderate – Over 10 lesions, and several small skin areas are affected.
- Severe – Many lesions; large areas of skin are affected; and/or the child feels ill, with fever, diarrhea, or weakness.
Last Modified: 22 Dec 2008
Who's At Risk
