impetigo easy notes pathophysiology, Study notes of Pathophysiology

Subject - pathophysiology. Topic - impetigo. course - Pharm D, B pharma, M pharma, MBBS, all medical field. Notes made by ROHIT KUMAR SINGH.

Typology: Study notes

2025/2026

Available from 06/05/2026

rohit-kumar-singh-5
rohit-kumar-singh-5 🇮🇳

15 documents

1 / 4

Toggle sidebar

This page cannot be seen from the preview

Don't miss anything!

bg1
IMPETIGO
Impetigo – Introduction
Impetigo is a common, highly contagious bacterial skin infection that mainly
affects infants and children. It is caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus
aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. It involves the superficial layers of the skin
and spreads easily through direct contact or contaminated objects. It is more
common in warm, humid climates and in conditions of poor hygiene.
Types of Impetigo
1. Non-Bullous Impetigo (Most Common)
This is the most common type. It starts as small red sores that quickly rupture
and form a characteristic honey-colored crust. It usually affects face, nose, and
mouth area.
pf3
pf4

Partial preview of the text

Download impetigo easy notes pathophysiology and more Study notes Pathophysiology in PDF only on Docsity!

IMPETIGO

Impetigo – Introduction

Impetigo is a common, highly contagious bacterial skin infection that mainly affects infants and children. It is caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. It involves the superficial layers of the skin and spreads easily through direct contact or contaminated objects. It is more common in warm, humid climates and in conditions of poor hygiene.

Types of Impetigo

  1. Non-Bullous Impetigo (Most Common) This is the most common type. It starts as small red sores that quickly rupture and form a characteristic honey-colored crust. It usually affects face, nose, and mouth area.
  1. Bullous Impetigo Characterized by large fluid-filled blisters (bullae) caused mainly by Staphylococcus aureus. These blisters rupture easily and leave raw areas.
  2. Ecthyma (Deep Impetigo) A more severe form that extends deeper into the skin, causing ulcers covered with thick crust. It may lead to scarring.

Signs and Symptoms

  • Red sores or blisters on skin
  • Honey-colored crust formation (classic sign)
  • Itching and mild pain
  • Lesions around nose, mouth, face
  • Fluid-filled blisters (bullous type)
  • Ulcer formation in severe cases
  • Swollen lymph nodes (sometimes)

Causes / Risk Factors

  • Infection by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes
  • Direct contact with infected person
  • Poor hygiene
  • Warm and humid climate
  • Skin injury (cuts, insect bites)
  • Crowded living conditions
  • Weakened immune system
  • Examples: Amoxicillin-clavulanate, Cephalexin, Dicloxacillin
  • Mechanism: Kill bacteria by inhibiting cell wall synthesis
  1. Hygiene Measures
  • Clean affected area with soap and water before applying medicine

Non-Pharmacological Management

  • Maintain personal hygiene
  • Avoid scratching lesions
  • Keep nails short
  • Do not share towels, clothes
  • Isolate infected person (to prevent spread)

Complications

  • Spread of infection to other body parts
  • Cellulitis (deeper infection)
  • Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (rare but serious)
  • Scarring (in ecthyma)

Treatment Algorithm

Step 1: Diagnose clinically Step 2: Mild cases → topical antibiotics Step 3: Moderate/severe → oral antibiotics Step 4: Maintain hygiene and prevent spread Step 5: Treat complications if present Step 6: Follow-up until complete healing