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How do you describe bullous impetigo

Author

Olivia House

Published Apr 18, 2026

Bullous impetigo is a bacterial skin infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus that results in the formation of large blisters called bullae, usually in areas with skin folds like the armpit, groin, between the fingers or toes, beneath the breast, and between the buttocks.

How do you describe impetigo lesions?

The main symptom of impetigo is reddish sores, often around the nose and mouth. The sores quickly rupture, ooze for a few days and then form a honey-colored crust. Sores can spread to other areas of the body through touch, clothing and towels. Itching and soreness are generally mild.

What does bullous impetigo look like?

Bullous impetigo is almost always caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. It usually forms larger blisters or bullae filled with a clear fluid that may become darker and cloudy. The blisters start on unbroken skin and aren’t surrounded by reddish areas. The blisters become limp and clear, and then burst open.

How would you describe impetigo on a physical exam?

Characteristic findings on physical examination Impetigo is classified as bullous or nonbullous. In the latter form, which is seen most often, clinical findings include suprficial lesions with yellow-honey crusts (Figure 1). In the bullous type, bullae are evident on examination.

How is impetigo described medically?

Nonbullous impetigo begins with a single erythematous macule that rapidly evolves into a vesicle or pustule and ruptures; the released serous contents then dry, leaving a crusted, honey-colored exudate over the erosion.

What is the difference between bullous and Nonbullous impetigo Contagiosa impetigo?

Nonbullous impetigo is usually a self-limited process that resolves within 2 weeks. Bullous impetigo is considered to be less contagious than the nonbullous form. It tends to affect the face, extremities, axillae, trunk, and perianal region of neonates, but older children and adults can also be infected.

Does bullous impetigo scar?

Bullous impetigo The blisters may quickly spread, before bursting after several days to leave a yellow crust that usually heals without leaving any scarring.

How is non bullous impetigo treated?

When it just affects a small area of the skin (and especially if it’s the non-bullous form), impetigo is treated with antibiotic ointment for 5 days. If the infection has spread to other areas of the body or the ointment isn’t working, the doctor may prescribe an antibiotic pill or liquid to be taken for 7–10 days.

What is the structure of impetigo?

Impetigo is a common infection of the superficial layers of the epidermis that is highly contagious and most commonly caused by gram-positive bacteria. It most commonly presents as erythematous plaques with a yellow crust and may be itchy or painful. The lesions are highly contagious and spread easily.

What layer of the skin does impetigo affect?

Impetigo is an infection of the outer layer of the skin. It’s most often caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (called staph) or Streptococcus pyogenes (called group A strep). Impetigo is much more common in children, but adults can get it too. It’s more common in the summer months.

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What does impetigo look like when it starts?

Impetigo starts with red sores or blisters, but the redness may be harder to see in brown and black skin. The sores or blisters quickly burst and leave crusty, golden-brown patches. The patches can: look a bit like cornflakes stuck to your skin.

What do lesions look like?

Skin lesions are areas of skin that look different from the surrounding area. They are often bumps or patches, and many issues can cause them. The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery describe a skin lesion as an abnormal lump, bump, ulcer, sore, or colored area of the skin.

What looks similar to impetigo?

Some skin rashes are just as contagious as impetigo. These include cold sores, ringworm, scabies, and chickenpox. Impetigo is different from rashes that are caused by an allergic reaction. The latter aren’t contagious, and these rashes don’t spread from person to person.

How contagious is bullous impetigo?

Impetigo is a highly contagious disease. Impetigo is easily spread from person to person by direct contact with the lesions and/or indirectly by touching items (clothing, sheets, or toys) that have been used by individuals with this skin disease.

What bacteria causes bullous?

Bullous impetigo is a bacterial skin infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus that results in the formation of large blisters called bullae, usually in areas with skin folds like the armpit, groin, between the fingers or toes, beneath the breast, and between the buttocks.

What does Staph look like?

The symptoms of a staph infection depend on the type of infection: Skin infections can look like pimples or boils. They may be red, swollen, and painful. Sometimes there is pus or other drainage.

Can impetigo cause swollen lymph nodes?

After a few days, the ruptured blisters form a flat, thick, honey-colored (yellowish-brown) crust that eventually disappears, leaving red marks that heal without scarring. There may be swollen glands (enlarged lymph nodes), but usually no fever. Click here to view a photograph of impetigo on the face from DermAtlas.

Should you remove impetigo crust?

It is very important to remove all the crusts so the antibiotic ointment can get through to kill the germs. 5. You may have to rub the area gently, but don’t scrub it because this can push the germs into normal skin and lead to more impetigo. A little bleeding is common when you remove all the crusts.

What is scalded skin?

Scalded skin syndrome is caused by infection with certain strains of staphylococcus bacteria. The bacteria produce a toxin that causes the skin damage. The damage creates blisters, as if the skin were scalded. These blisters can occur at areas of the skin away from the initial site.

What does a strep infection on the skin look like?

Symptoms start with red or pimple-like lesions (sores) surrounded by reddened skin. These lesions can be anywhere on your body, but mostly on your face, arms, and legs. Lesions fill with pus, then break open after a few days and form a thick crust. Itching is common.

What is impetigo Slideshare?

Impetigo is a highly communicable skin infection that mostly affects the children, but can also occurs in adults.

What are the yellow crust on impetigo?

Non-bullous or crusted impetigo is most common. It begins as tiny blisters that eventually burst and leave small wet patches of red skin that may weep fluid. Gradually, a yellowish-brown or tan crust covers the area, making it look like it has been coated with honey or brown sugar.

What is the ICD 10 code for bullous impetigo?

L01. 03 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes.

What is extensive impetigo?

Impetigo causes blister-like sores. The sores can fill with pus and form scabs, and scratching can spread the infection. Impetigo is caused by bacteria. It is contagious and usually occurs in children. It is the most common bacterial skin infection presented by children to primary care physicians.

How do you describe impetigo rash?

Impetigo starts as a red, itchy sore. As it heals, a crusty, yellow or “honey-colored” scab forms over the sore. In general, impetigo is a mild infection that can occur anywhere on the body. It most often affects exposed skin, such as around the nose and mouth or on the arms or legs.

Is impetigo caused by poor hygiene?

Impetigo is more common in children than adults, but adults may also have the infection. Impetigo is made worse by poor hygiene and warm temperatures.

What antibiotic cream is used for impetigo?

Impetigo is treated with prescription mupirocin antibiotic ointment or cream applied directly to the sores two to three times a day for five to 10 days.

What is a deep form of impetigo that causes erosions into the dermis?

Ecthyma is a skin infection characterised by crusted sores beneath which ulcers form. It is a deep form of impetigo, as the same bacteria causing the infection are involved. Ecthyma causes deeper erosions of the skin into the dermis.

Can you get impetigo on your pubic area?

Impetigo is a skin infection that is marked by a honey-colored scab covering a blistery rash. It typically appears on the face around the mouth or nose, but it can also appear in the genital area.

How long does it take for impetigo to clear up with antibiotics?

The sores should begin to heal within 2 to 5 days after you start using an antibiotic. If you are taking an oral antibiotic, the infection usually stops being contagious after 24 hours of treatment.

How do you treat recurrent impetigo?

For patients with recurrent impetigo, asymptomatic family members, and S aureus nasal carriers, prescribe 2% mupirocin cream or ointment (Bactroban) for application inside nostrils 3 times per day for 5 days each month to reduce colonization in the nose.