Bullous impetigo: Difference between revisions

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{{SI}}
{{Infobox medical condition
| name            = Bullous impetigo
| image          = [[File:Bullous_impetigo1.jpg]]
| caption        = Bullous impetigo on the skin
| field          = [[Dermatology]]
| synonyms        =
| symptoms        = [[Blisters]], [[skin lesions]], [[itching]]
| complications  = [[Cellulitis]], [[sepsis]]
| onset          = [[Infancy]], [[childhood]]
| duration        =
| causes          = [[Staphylococcus aureus]]
| risks          = [[Poor hygiene]], [[crowded living conditions]]
| diagnosis      = [[Clinical diagnosis]], [[bacterial culture]]
| differential    = [[Pemphigus]], [[herpes simplex]], [[contact dermatitis]]
| prevention      = [[Good hygiene]], [[hand washing]]
| treatment      = [[Antibiotics]], [[topical antiseptics]]
| medication      = [[Mupirocin]], [[cephalexin]]
| prognosis      = Good with treatment
| frequency      = Common in children
}}
{{Short description|A bacterial skin infection characterized by large blisters}}
{{Short description|A bacterial skin infection characterized by large blisters}}
'''Bullous impetigo''' is a [[bacterial skin infection]] that primarily affects infants and young children, although it can occur in individuals of any age. It is characterized by the formation of large, fluid-filled blisters, or bullae, on the skin. This condition is a form of [[impetigo]], which is a common and highly contagious skin infection.
'''Bullous impetigo''' is a [[bacterial skin infection]] that primarily affects infants and young children, although it can occur in individuals of any age. It is characterized by the formation of large, fluid-filled blisters, or bullae, on the skin. This condition is a form of [[impetigo]], which is a common and highly contagious skin infection.
==Etiology==
==Etiology==
Bullous impetigo is caused by the bacterium ''[[Staphylococcus aureus]]''. This bacterium produces a toxin that causes the skin to separate, leading to the formation of blisters. The infection is typically spread through direct contact with the lesions or through contact with contaminated objects.
Bullous impetigo is caused by the bacterium ''[[Staphylococcus aureus]]''. This bacterium produces a toxin that causes the skin to separate, leading to the formation of blisters. The infection is typically spread through direct contact with the lesions or through contact with contaminated objects.
==Clinical Presentation==
==Clinical Presentation==
[[File:Bullous_impetigo1.jpg|Bullous impetigo on the arm|thumb|right]]
[[File:Bullous_impetigo1.jpg|Bullous impetigo on the arm|left|thumb]]
The hallmark of bullous impetigo is the appearance of large, fluid-filled blisters on the skin. These blisters are usually painless but can be itchy. The blisters may rupture, leaving a yellow crust. The lesions are most commonly found on the face, arms, legs, and trunk.
The hallmark of bullous impetigo is the appearance of large, fluid-filled blisters on the skin. These blisters are usually painless but can be itchy. The blisters may rupture, leaving a yellow crust. The lesions are most commonly found on the face, arms, legs, and trunk.
==Diagnosis==
==Diagnosis==
Diagnosis of bullous impetigo is primarily clinical, based on the characteristic appearance of the lesions. A [[bacterial culture]] of the fluid from the blisters can be performed to confirm the presence of ''Staphylococcus aureus''.
Diagnosis of bullous impetigo is primarily clinical, based on the characteristic appearance of the lesions. A [[bacterial culture]] of the fluid from the blisters can be performed to confirm the presence of ''Staphylococcus aureus''.
==Treatment==
==Treatment==
[[File:Bullous_impetigo2.jpg|Close-up of bullous impetigo lesions|thumb|left]]
[[File:Bullous_impetigo2.jpg|Close-up of bullous impetigo lesions|left|thumb]]
Treatment of bullous impetigo involves the use of [[antibiotics]]. Topical antibiotics, such as [[mupirocin]], are often effective for localized infections. In more extensive cases, oral antibiotics such as [[cephalexin]] or [[dicloxacillin]] may be prescribed. It is important to maintain good hygiene and avoid scratching the lesions to prevent the spread of infection.
Treatment of bullous impetigo involves the use of [[antibiotics]]. Topical antibiotics, such as [[mupirocin]], are often effective for localized infections. In more extensive cases, oral antibiotics such as [[cephalexin]] or [[dicloxacillin]] may be prescribed. It is important to maintain good hygiene and avoid scratching the lesions to prevent the spread of infection.
==Complications==
==Complications==
Complications of bullous impetigo are rare but can include [[cellulitis]], [[lymphangitis]], and [[sepsis]]. Prompt treatment with antibiotics usually prevents these complications.
Complications of bullous impetigo are rare but can include [[cellulitis]], [[lymphangitis]], and [[sepsis]]. Prompt treatment with antibiotics usually prevents these complications.
==Prevention==
==Prevention==
Preventive measures include maintaining good personal hygiene, avoiding close contact with infected individuals, and keeping wounds clean and covered. In settings such as schools and daycare centers, it is important to disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated.
Preventive measures include maintaining good personal hygiene, avoiding close contact with infected individuals, and keeping wounds clean and covered. In settings such as schools and daycare centers, it is important to disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated.
 
==See also==
==Related pages==
* [[Impetigo]]
* [[Impetigo]]
* [[Staphylococcus aureus]]
* [[Staphylococcus aureus]]
* [[Skin infection]]
* [[Skin infection]]
 
[[File:Impetigo.jpg|Bullous impetigo on the face|left|thumb]]
[[File:Impetigo.jpg|Bullous impetigo on the face|thumb|right]]
 
[[Category:Dermatology]]
[[Category:Dermatology]]
[[Category:Bacterial diseases]]
[[Category:Bacterial diseases]]
[[Category:Infectious diseases]]
[[Category:Infectious diseases]]

Latest revision as of 19:33, 4 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Bullous impetigo
Synonyms
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Blisters, skin lesions, itching
Complications Cellulitis, sepsis
Onset Infancy, childhood
Duration
Types N/A
Causes Staphylococcus aureus
Risks Poor hygiene, crowded living conditions
Diagnosis Clinical diagnosis, bacterial culture
Differential diagnosis Pemphigus, herpes simplex, contact dermatitis
Prevention Good hygiene, hand washing
Treatment Antibiotics, topical antiseptics
Medication Mupirocin, cephalexin
Prognosis Good with treatment
Frequency Common in children
Deaths N/A


A bacterial skin infection characterized by large blisters


Bullous impetigo is a bacterial skin infection that primarily affects infants and young children, although it can occur in individuals of any age. It is characterized by the formation of large, fluid-filled blisters, or bullae, on the skin. This condition is a form of impetigo, which is a common and highly contagious skin infection.

Etiology[edit]

Bullous impetigo is caused by the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. This bacterium produces a toxin that causes the skin to separate, leading to the formation of blisters. The infection is typically spread through direct contact with the lesions or through contact with contaminated objects.

Clinical Presentation[edit]

Bullous impetigo on the arm

The hallmark of bullous impetigo is the appearance of large, fluid-filled blisters on the skin. These blisters are usually painless but can be itchy. The blisters may rupture, leaving a yellow crust. The lesions are most commonly found on the face, arms, legs, and trunk.

Diagnosis[edit]

Diagnosis of bullous impetigo is primarily clinical, based on the characteristic appearance of the lesions. A bacterial culture of the fluid from the blisters can be performed to confirm the presence of Staphylococcus aureus.

Treatment[edit]

Close-up of bullous impetigo lesions

Treatment of bullous impetigo involves the use of antibiotics. Topical antibiotics, such as mupirocin, are often effective for localized infections. In more extensive cases, oral antibiotics such as cephalexin or dicloxacillin may be prescribed. It is important to maintain good hygiene and avoid scratching the lesions to prevent the spread of infection.

Complications[edit]

Complications of bullous impetigo are rare but can include cellulitis, lymphangitis, and sepsis. Prompt treatment with antibiotics usually prevents these complications.

Prevention[edit]

Preventive measures include maintaining good personal hygiene, avoiding close contact with infected individuals, and keeping wounds clean and covered. In settings such as schools and daycare centers, it is important to disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated.

See also[edit]

Bullous impetigo on the face