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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: 4008
Last updated: 3/15/2023 9:53 PM

PATIENT RATINGS

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Compare our service to other similar practices

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Overall doctor performance

excellent
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very good
4.89%
good
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poor
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The doctor listened to you attentively

excellent
93.9%
very good
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good
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The doctor took time to answer your questions

excellent
94.0%
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The doctor explained treatment options

excellent
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The doctor explained treatment options

excellent
92.0%
very good
5.69%
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Front desk performance

excellent
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very good
10.2%
good
3.66%
poor
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very poor
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Aesthetician performance

excellent
88.6%
very good
7.61%
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Office comfort

excellent
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6.93%
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Parking

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15.7%
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Friendliness of the staff during appointment

excellent
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What WE DID WELL

(Answers:674)

Dr. was very informative. Everyone was very nice. Please give all the ladies here a raise..

#12022-10-09

It was delightful to find a physician who really listened! Thank you.

#22022-12-08

All of my questions were answered.

#32022-12-24

i liked the fact the doctor acutally explianed everything to me in a way that i as a child could understand. that was the part that i really enjoyed

#42022-07-31

New options! Every dermatologist I've gone to says and does the same things. I'm happy to be trying something new since those other methods didn't work.

#52011-05-19 10:14:50

Everyone was very attentive and helpful.

#62022-04-15

I was very impressed by the patience and information the staff provided--I did not feel rushed at all and was able to ask many questions.

#72022-12-19

Very professional and thorough.

#82022-10-19

friendly, laid-back style yet factual and to-the-point feedback

#92023-01-14

Explanation by both DR. and assistant Thanks!

#102023-01-01

What can we do better?

(answers:373)

Friday appointments with Dr. Ringpfiel

#12011-01-17 16:36:22

Please send out paperwork in advance for pediatric patients

#22022-10-16

WINE AND CHEESE WOULD BE NICE IN THE WAITING AREA

#32011-02-09 12:32:20

No suggestions

#42022-09-11

THANK YOU!

#52023-01-31

Better parking?

#62022-04-22

smile more

#72010-09-09 10:34:11

uhmm.. you're office was too nice. It made me jealous.

#82022-07-18

Can't imagine any better first impression.

#92011-02-24 14:49:37

Almost too methodical - thought of one more 15 second type question after Dr. left re one spot not noted - would have waited some time to have her look at it. Told no time until lunch.

#102011-11-03 10:28:10

Customer Rating : 4.6

Based on 402 ratings
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