This image displays intact blisters and crusted erosions showing the spectrum of skin lesions typical of impetigo. This image displays a small pus-filled lesion that is developing a crust. This image displays a lesion with a varnish-like crust typical of impetigo. Impetigo can cause many scattered, red, and crusted skin lesions, as seen here. Impetigo is a superficial skin infection caused by staph or strep bacteria. The crusting on the surface of the skin seen on the upper left lip is typical of impetigo.
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Impetigo, Unclassified  A parent's guide to condition and treatment information

Picture of Impetigo, Unclassified: This image displays intact blisters and crusted erosions showing the spectrum of skin lesions typical of impetigo. Divider line
This image displays intact blisters and crusted erosions showing the spectrum of skin lesions typical of impetigo.
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Who's At Risk
Impetigo is very common in children, affecting up to 10% of children who come to a pediatric clinic. Children up to 6 years old are most likely to be infected. Those who live in a warm, humid climate are more often affected. Insect bites, crowded living conditions, and poor skin cleansing increase the risk of infection. (It may spread easily through schools and day-care centers.) Sports requiring skin-to-skin contact, having a weak immune system, or having a chronic skin problem such as eczema can also increase your child's risk of getting impetigo. Lesions on the neck and scalp may occur with head lice (pediculosis capitis).
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Last Modified: 22 Dec 2008
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