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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Overview
Impetigo is a common and contagious bacterial skin infection that is usually a minor problem, but sometimes complications may occur that require treatment. Complications of impetigo can include deeper skin infection (called cellulitis), inflammation around the brain or spinal cord (meningitis), or a kidney inflammation (post streptococcal glomerulonephritis). Impetigo often starts with a cut or break in the skin, which allows bacteria to enter. Impetigo is usually caused by "staph" (Staphylococcus) or "strep" (Streptococcus) bacteria.
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Last Modified: 22 Dec 2008
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