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impetigo%20-and-%20ecthyma%20(pediatric)
IMPETIGO & ECTHYMA (PEDIATRIC)
Treatment Guideline Chart
Impetigo is a very contagious, superficial, bacterial skin infection that easily spreads among people in close contact.
Most cases resolve spontaneously without scarring in approximately 14 days without treatment.
Ecthyma is deeply ulcerated form of impetigo that extends to the dermis. The ulcers are "punched-out" with yellow crust and elevated violaceous margins.
It may be an infection de novo or a superinfection.

Impetigo%20-and-%20ecthyma%20(pediatric) Diagnosis

Diagnosis

  • Diagnosis can be made by clinical presentation, but direct gram staining from pus/crust is recommended to confirm infection

Laboratory Tests

  • Tests are not necessary in most cases because diagnosis is made on clinical grounds
  • Gram stain and/or culture may be used to confirm the diagnosis when the clinical presentation is unclear, when Methicillin-resistant S aureus (MRSA) is suspected or if the patient fails first treatment
    • Gram stain smears of vesicles show Gram positive cocci
    • Culture and sensitivity test reveal the causative agents and the appropriate therapy especially when resistant organisms are suspected
  • Take blood cultures when patient appears ill and when infection is severe, recurrent, suspected to be an outbreak, or suspected to be caused by Methicillin-resistant S aureus (MRSA)
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