what is impetigo

Impetigo is a common and highly contagious skin infection that mainly affects infants and young children, but can occur in people of all ages. It is caused by bacteria, usually Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. The infection starts as red sores, often around the nose and mouth, which quickly rupture, ooze, and then form a honey-colored crust. There are two main types of impetigo: non-bullous and bullous. Non-bullous impetigo is the most common type and causes tiny blisters around the nose and mouth that eventually burst and form crusty yellow or golden scabs. Bullous impetigo causes large fluid- filled blisters. Impetigo is usually treated with antibiotics, either topical or oral, and the sores generally heal without scarring. It is important to prevent the spread of impetigo by gently washing the affected areas with mild soap and water, covering them lightly with gauze, and washing an infected person's clothes, linens, and towels every day with hot water