Impetigo

Infection of the superficial layers of the epidermis , commonly caused by Gr + ve bacteria commonly seen in children

Impetigo is a major childhood dermatological problem

Pyoderma is the term which describes all superficial bacterial infections associated with production of pus , these include impetigo , ecthyma , furunculosis

Impetigo - world wide prevalence is estimated to be about 12 %

It is the 3rd most common complain in children after eczema and viral warts

Impetigo seen annually in ( NICE 2013 )

2.8 % of children up to 4 yrs of age

1.6 % of those aged 5- 15 trs

Global population of children suffering from impetigo at any time is > 162 million

Seen more during summer months in the US

Peak incidence 1 -5 yrs

It is thought that impetigo is often under recognized

Incubation period is between 4- 10 days

Highly contagious

Spread mostly from direct contact , close contact ( e,g within families )

Contact with drainage with other people with impetigo ( discharges from scab )

Infected people more likely to transmit bacteria than asymptomatic carriers

Increased risk in circumstances as

crowding as day care centers

warm and humid conditions

impoverished settings ,...