Impetigo contagiosa: therapeutic aspects

ABSTRACT

In tropical countries pyoderma is a common problem particularly in summer and monsoon. Causative organisms are Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogens, Bacillus proteus, pseudomonas and coliform bacilli. Infection of the skin is characterized by discrete thin walled vesicles and bullae which rapidly become pustular then rupture. Impetigo occurs mainly on exposed parts of the body. Lesions occurring on scalp are mostly associated with pediculosis capitis. On rupture of these lesions a thin straw coloured seropurulent discharge is noticed. Sometimes group A beta-haemolyticus infections may follow acute glomerulonephritis. Impetigo occurs most frequently in early childhood. It may simulate different superficial skin conditions like circinate patches of ringworm. It is a common but simple problem, which can be easily cured by topical therapy and if needed systemic antibiotics can be given. Topical corticosteroid ointments should not be used, they worsen the infection