Abstract

Introduction: Impetigo is a pyoderma, which is a skin infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus in the epidermis below the stratum corneum or in the hair follicles. Impetigo is an infectious skin disease most commonly found in children aged two to five years, but can also occur at any age. This disease can heal completely without scarring even without treatment. The cause of impetigo is a gram-positive bacterial infection, most commonly Staphylococcus aureus, but it can also be caused by Streptococcus pyogenes either as a single infection or in combination with S. aureus. It is most occur in children aged 2-5 years and incidence is during summer and fall. Bullous impetigo is more common in infants. Children younger than two had 90% of cases of impetigo. Apart from direct contact with an infected child, sharing tools or items that can transmit the infection can also spread impetigo. The incidence of impetigo increases in areas that are densely populated and with poor hygiene. Other risk factors include trauma to the skin, a hot and humid climate, malnutrition, diabetes mellitus, and several other medical conditions.

Discussion: Impetigo is usually a self-limited condition, and although rare, complications can occur. These include cellulitis (nonbullous form), septicemia, osteomyelitis, septic arthritis, lymphangitis, lymphadenitis, guttate psoriasis, staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome, and acute poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis, with poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis being the most serious. Keeping skin clean can help prevent impetigo. Kids should wash their hands well and often and take baths or showers regularly. Pay special attention to skin injuries (cuts, scrapes, bug bites, etc.), areas of eczema, and rashes such as poison ivy. Keep these areas clean and covered. The goal of impetigo therapy is to relieve discomfort and improve appearance/aesthetics, prevent the wider spread of infection both to the patient and to others, and prevent recurrences. Therapy should ideally be effective, affordable, and minimal side effects.

Conclusion: Based on research and some literature, impetigo can heal by itself without leaving a sequel within two weeks if left untreated. However, healing takes longer time and complications can occur in some cases. One of the complications that can be caused is post streptococcal acute Glomerulonephritis (GNAPS), sepsis, osteomyelitis, septic arthritis, endocarditis, pneumonia, cellulitis, lymphangitis or lymphadenitis, gutate psoriasis, toxic shock syndrome, and staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome.