What it means
An infection of the top layers of the skin caused by Staphylococcus or Streptococcus bacteria. It usually starts as red sores, often around the nose and mouth, that burst and form honey-colored crusts. It spreads easily by touch and shared towels, and through scratching to other parts of the body. It is treated with antibiotic ointment or pills.
For the nurse
Teach gentle washing of the crusts, keeping the child's nails short, not sharing towels and washing hands often. Children usually return to school after 24 hours of antibiotics.
At a glance
| Spanish | impétigo |
|---|
Related terms
epidermis
The thin outer layer of the skin.
organism
A living thing, such as a bacterium, virus, fungus, parasite, plant or animal.
infectious
Caused by germs, or able to spread germs and cause infection in others.