Impetigo

Impetigo.
It is contagious superficial pyogenic infection of the Skin.Two main clinical varieties known are non bullous impetigo and bullous impetigo.
Impetigo Contagiousa
The causative organism are mainly pyogenic staphylococcui less so streptococcus pyogenes.
It is relatively frequent through out the world and is frequent in template climates.The peak seasonal incidences are seen in late summer.preschool and young school age children are most often affected.In adults males predominate.
Over crowding , poor hygiene and existing skin disease especially scabies,predispose to infection.
Impetiginazation is the name given to the process where impetigo Contagiousa occurs,secondarily as a complicating factor in scabies pediculoses , eczemas,seborrheuic dermatitis and herpes simplex.
Infection is transmitted by contact with any individual carrying pyogenic organism,directly or through towels,handkercheifs etc.The sites of predilection are the exposed regions of the body,especially of the face and sclap though it can occur on any part of the body.
The incubation period is two to three days.
In impetigo Contagiousa,initial lesion Is a very thin walled vesicles on an erythematous base.The vesicles ruptures so rapidly that It is seldom seen as such.The exuding serum dries to form yellowish brown honey colored crust.This characteristic crust is the most important diagnostic features of impetigo Contagiousa.The crust is usually thicker and dirtier in the streptococcal forms .Gradual irregular peripheral extension occurs without central healing , and multiple lesions , which are usually present,may coalesce  The crusts eventually dry and separate to leave erythema,which fades without scarring .In severe Cases there may be regional adenitis with Fever and other Constitutional symptoms.The face especially around the nose and mouth, and the limbs are the sites most commonly affected but involvement of the sclap is frequent in tinea Capitis and lesions may occur Any where on the body,espicially in children with atopic dermatitis or scabies.Involvement of the mucous membranes is rare . There's a tendency to spontaneously cure in 2-3 weeks but a prolonged course is common,particularrly In the presence of underlying parasitic infestation or eczema,or in hot and humid climates.In heavily pigmented skin , temporary hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation may follow the lesions.