Impetigo

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Impetigo, contagious skin disease, which commonly appears in young children and infants, although adults may be affected. Usually caused by group A streptococci or by staphylococci, it appears on such exposed parts of the skin as the face, hands, arms, and legs and is spread to adjacent areas by scratching. It also spreads readily to other people by direct contact or by contact with articles used by the infected person.

The infection produces pus-filled blisters that rupture and harden to form yellow crusts, from which fluid may ooze. Treatment consists of removing the crusts with soap and water and applying ointments containing antibiotics. When treated promptly, impetigo usually heals within a week without leaving scars.

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