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home > drugs a-z list > bacitracin (bacitracin) drug center > bacitracin (bacitracin) drug - medication guide and patient information
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Bacitracin
What is impetigo? What causes impetigo?
Impetigo (pronounced im-puh-TIE-go) is a contagious, superficial infection of the skin caused by staphylococcus (Staph) and streptococcus (Strep) bacteria. Impetigo is more common in children (especially 2- to 5-year-olds) than in adults. Impetigo is most likely to occur in warm and humid environments and is most commonly spread by close contact (such as family members).
What are the types of impetigo, and what are impetigo symptoms and signs? What does impetigo look like?
There are two kinds of impetigo:
- Non-bullous impetigo: This is the common form, caused by both Staph and Strep bacteria. This form initially presents as small red papules similar to insect bites. These lesions rapidly evolve to small blisters and then to pustules that finally scab over with a characteristic honey-colored crust. This entire process takes about one week. These lesions often st...
Bacitracin
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PATIENT INFORMATION
Patients should be counseled that antibacterial drugs including Bacitracin should only be used to treat bacterial infections. They do not treat viral infections (e.g., the common cold). When Bacitracin is prescribed to treat a bacterial infection, patients should be told that although it is common to feel better early in the course of therapy, the medication should be taken exactly as directed. Skipping doses or not completing the full course of therapy may (1) decrease the effectiveness of the immediate treatment and (2) increase the likelihood that bacteria will develop resistance and will not be treatable by Bacitracin or other antibacterial drugs in the future.
Last reviewed on RxList: 5/5/2008
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.
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