What is impetigo (school sores)?
Impetigo, commonly known as school sores, is a highly infectious superficial skin infection. It is traditionally divided into non bullous impetigo and bullous impetigo What causes impetigo? The infection is caused by the bacteria staphlococcus aureus (60%), streptococcus pyogenes (10%) or both (30%), which directly invade the upper layers of the skin. The infection often arises in skin that has been exposed to minor trauma such as cuts, scratches, grazes, or insect bites. Alternatively the infection may occur in individuals with pre-existing skin conditions like eczema, where the skin is already damaged. The condition commonly affects the limbs and face, especially around the nose and mouth. What are the symptoms? In non bullous impetigo the infection begins as a small blister filled with fluid or pus, that is surrounded by an area of redness and swelling. The blister breaks releasing a honey coloured fluid and leaves a yellow-brown crust. There may be many of these blisters or crusts
