Impetigo
Impetigo is a bacterial infection on the surface of the skin,
characterized by honey-colored crusts and mild sores.
What is going on in the body?
Staphylococcal and streptococcal organisms are common on the skin. Warm
temperatures, high humidity, and an existing skin disease can lead to
overgrowth, or rapid multiplication of these organisms. This overgrowth infects
the skin surface and creates the skin lesions of impetigo.
What are the causes and risks of the infection?
Impetigo is a bacterial infection caused by streptococcal or staphylococcal
organisms. Scratches, cuts, or skin diseases such as eczema increase a person's risk of infection from
impetigo. Impetigo can occur in people of all ages, but it is most common in
children. Chronic health problems,
malnutrition, or poor hygiene can cause an adult to be susceptible to the
disease.
Some people may carry a common bacteria in their nasal passages and
be able to spread the disease to others, although they do not have symptoms themselves.
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