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Impetigo is a bacterial skin
infection that is caused by strep or staph bacteria. The infection often begins when bacteria that
normally can be present on the skin enter a small cut or scratch.
Symptoms of impetigo include honey-colored, crusty, oozing blisters or
sores. These most often develop between the upper lip and nose. The blisters commonly occur
after a cold. The sores can appear anywhere on the body. Scratching the
blisters may spread impetigo to other parts of the body. Impetigo is more
common in children than adults.
Impetigo is treated with
antibiotics.
|
By
| Healthwise Staff |
|
Primary Medical Reviewer
| Susan C. Kim, MD - Pediatrics |
|
Specialist Medical Reviewer
| John Pope, MD - Pediatrics |
|
Last Revised
| June 25, 2012 |