Impetigo in the Pediatric Population

Impetigo is an endemic bacterial skin infection most commonly associated with the pediatric population; it is seen in more than an estimated 162 million children between the ages of 2 and 5 years old. Geographically, this infection is mostly found in tropical areas around the globe. Impetigo has the largest increase in incidence rate, as compared to other various skin infections seen in children. The major characteristic observed in this infection is lesions. They first appear as bullae that eventually form a honey-colored, thick crust that may cause pruritus. There are three forms of impetigo: bullous, non-bullous and ecthyma. The primary causative organisms for impetigo include Staphylococcus aureus and Group-A ß-hemolytic streptococci (GABHS). Most impetigo infections resolve without requiring medication; however, to reduce the duration and spread of the disease, topical and oral antibiotic agents are utilized. A positive prognosis as well as minimal complications are associated with this disease state.