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Philadelphia and Mainline Center of Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery

Written by Dr. Ringpfeil

Impetigo

Impetigo is a superficial bacterial infection of the skin caused by Staphylococcus aureus, group A Streptococcus, or a mixture of both. Staphylococcus aureus is the most common causative agent. The infection can either be primary, developing within minor breaks in the skin or secondary to another inflammatory skin condition. Common inflammatory skin conditions that can become secondarily impetiginized are atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, and less commonly psoriasis.

Chronic scratching causes disruption in the skin surface which can invite bacteria to invade. There are two types of impetigo: blistering (bullous) and not blistering. The non-blistering variety is by far more common and is characterized by the appearance of honey-colored crusts.

It is often seen on the face but can occur on any part of the body. Bullous impetigo is characterized by blisters that occur on normal-appearing skin. Bullous impetigo is seen primarily in children. Both forms are contagious and can quickly spread through skin-to-skin contact.

Diagnosis

Impetigo can be diagnosed by its characteristic appearance but a bacterial culture can be performed to confirm the diagnosis if needed. In older individuals, a biopsy of bullous impetigo may be necessary to differentiate it from other blistering diseases.

Management

Topical treatment includes cleansing the affected area with an antibacterial cleanser several times daily. In children, a mild antibacterial cleanser such as Cetaphil antibacterial is preferred. In localized disease, this should be followed by application of petrolatum, zinc paste, over-the-counter or prescription-strength topical antibiotic several times daily.

If the infection is widespread an oral antibiotic may be necessary. Due to the contagious nature of the infection, affected individuals should be cautious to avoid skin-to-skin contact with others and should not share personal hygiene products such as razors and towels.

Coping

Impetigo is usually asymptomatic but can be occasionally itchy. It is not painful. Treatment will usually eradicate the rash within days.

Prevention

Primary infection can be prevented by avoidance of close contacts that have impetigo. Sharing towels, washcloths, clothing, bed linens, and razors should be avoided. Secondary impetigo can be prevented through the management of underlying skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis and the avoidance of scratching.

People who get recurrent episodes of impetigo may be carriers of staphylococcus aureus bacterium in their nostrils or in skin folds. Removing the bacteria from this location may prevent future outbreaks. This may be accomplished by applying mupirocin cream to the inner nares for a 7 to 10-day period.

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SKIN

# of surveys: 4030
Last updated: 6/27/2023 11:10 AM

PATIENT RATINGS

Would you recommend us?

definitely
93.1%
probably
6.16%
maybe
0.58%
not likely
0.08%
no
0.02%

Compare our service to other similar practices

excellent
87.9%
very good
10.1%
good
1.8%
poor
0.06%
very poor
0%

Overall doctor performance

excellent
94.2%
very good
4.89%
good
0.80%
poor
0.03%
very poor
0%

The doctor listened to you attentively

excellent
93.9%
very good
4.97%
good
1.05%
poor
0.05%
very poor
0%

The doctor took time to answer your questions

excellent
94.0%
very good
4.66%
good
1.27%
poor
0.02%
very poor
0%

The doctor explained treatment options

excellent
94.3%
very good
4.16%
good
1.25%
poor
0.14%
very poor
0.02%

The doctor explained treatment options

excellent
92.0%
very good
5.69%
good
2.18%
poor
0.11%
very poor
0.0%

Front desk performance

excellent
85.6%
very good
10.2%
good
3.66%
poor
0.31%
very poor
0.08%

Aesthetician performance

excellent
88.6%
very good
7.61%
good
3.39%
poor
0.24%
very poor
0.08%

Office comfort

excellent
90.9%
very good
6.93%
good
2.08%
poor
0.05%
very poor
0.05%

Parking

excellent
66.4%
very good
14.4%
good
15.7%
poor
2.49%
very poor
0.9%

Friendliness of the staff during appointment

excellent
90.9%
very good
7.23%
good
1.85%
poor
0.05%
very poor
0%

What WE DID WELL

(Answers:674)

I am extremely impressed. Felt comfortable and confident in the doctor's treatments. the staff was very professional yet kind and very helpful. The doctor's knowledge of medical condition

#12022-12-04

The art on the walls.

#22023-07-02

I LOVE the art work!

#32010-12-13 11:51:50

Everyone was lovely and the office looks beautiful.

#42022-11-06

Friendliness of office staff and professionalism of doctor.

#52011-01-17 16:36:22

love the new office!!!!

#62023-09-11

the doctor and the staff were excellent and very attentive.

#72023-06-11

Everything even your choice of music.

#82023-05-28

NO WAITING,THANK YOU !

#92023-04-23

Honesty.

#102011-01-05 16:01:31

What can we do better?

(answers:373)

i was completely satisfies with everything and everyone. Even my lateness was not held against me.

#12022-10-17

i was completely satisfies with everything and everyone. Even my lateness was not held against me.

#22023-08-10

don't see how you could improve anything

#32011-01-12 08:19:57

Always laugh at my jokes.

#42023-02-25

Great practice

#52011-03-14 13:52:46

This has been one the best office that i have been to in forever.

#62023-05-26

Having Lip Gloss we can give others to let others know about you.

#72023-04-28

My only complaint is that I work and live (1 mile from) Center City, PA and I wish the office (Dr. Ringpfield) had weekend or later hours. Dr. Heckman was great but she cannot assist me with my cosmetic issues. Overall - like the office and professionalism.

#82011-08-10 18:44:27

Nicer chairs in office

#92011-01-24 14:33:36

I really can't think of anything to add

#102010-11-24 09:41:39

Customer Rating : 4.6

Based on 402 ratings
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