home > drugs a-z list > bacitracin (bacitracin) drug center > bacitracin (bacitracin) drug - side effects and drug interactions

Impetigo »

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...

Read the Impetigo article »