Impetigo is one of the most common bacterial skin infections, particularly affecting children, with a global prevalence estimated at 12.3% in pediatric populations. This highly contagious superficial infection is characterized by honey-colored crusts and red sores, typically appearing around the nose, mouth, hands, and feet. Dr. Zitelli provides comprehensive impetigo treatment throughout Cincinnati, offering prompt diagnosis and effective antibiotic therapy to prevent complications and reduce transmission to family members and classmates.
Not only provides excellent care but truly cares.
Types of Impetigo Infections
Impetigo presents in distinct forms requiring different treatment approaches based on the causative bacteria and depth of skin involvement.
Non-Bullous Impetigo
Most common form accounting for 70% of cases, caused primarily by Staphylococcus aureus, presenting as small red spots that develop honey-colored crusts
Bullous Impetigo
Less common form caused exclusively by Staphylococcus aureus producing toxins, creating larger fluid-filled blisters that rupture leaving thin brown crusts
Ecthyma
Deeper form of impetigo extending into the dermis, causing ulcerative lesions that may result in scarring if not properly treated
Secondary Impetigo
Bacterial infection occurring at sites of previous skin trauma, insect bites, eczema, or other dermatological conditions requiring underlying condition management
Dr. Zitelli’s Comprehensive Impetigo Assessment
Accurate impetigo diagnosis and treatment planning are essential for preventing complications and minimizing transmission. Dr. Zitelli’s systematic approach ensures appropriate antibiotic selection and comprehensive patient education.
“Early recognition and prompt treatment of impetigo are crucial for preventing spread to other family members and classmates. Most cases respond quickly to appropriate antibiotic therapy when started early,” explains Dr. Zitelli.
Clinical Evaluation and Diagnosis
Impetigo diagnosis is typically made through clinical examination of characteristic lesions. Dr. Zitelli evaluates lesion appearance, distribution patterns, and potential complications while assessing for underlying skin conditions that may predispose to infection.
Culture and Sensitivity Testing
In cases of treatment failure, recurrent infections, or suspected antibiotic resistance, bacterial culture and sensitivity testing guide appropriate antibiotic selection and help identify carriers who may require specialized treatment protocols.
Evidence-Based Treatment Approaches
Modern impetigo management focuses on effective antibiotic therapy combined with proper wound care and infection control measures to achieve rapid healing and prevent transmission.
Topical Antibiotics
First-line treatment for localized infections using mupirocin or retapamulin ointments applied to affected areas three times daily for 5-7 days
Oral Antibiotics
Systemic therapy for extensive infections or when topical treatment is impractical, typically using cephalexin, clindamycin, or amoxicillin-clavulanate for 7-10 days
Antiseptic Cleansing
Gentle removal of crusts with antibacterial soap and water, followed by application of antiseptic solutions to reduce bacterial load
Wound Care Management
Proper cleaning techniques, covering affected areas with bandages, and maintaining good hygiene practices to prevent secondary infection and transmission
Infection Control and Prevention
Comprehensive impetigo care extends beyond medication to include strict infection control measures preventing transmission to household contacts and school communities.
Household and School Precautions
Infected children should remain home from school or daycare for at least 24-48 hours after starting antibiotic treatment. Strict handwashing, avoiding sharing personal items, and covering lesions help prevent transmission to siblings and classmates.
Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection
Regular cleaning of surfaces, toys, and personal items with appropriate disinfectants reduces environmental bacterial contamination. Washing clothing, bedding, and towels in hot water helps eliminate bacterial reservoirs.
Treatment of Complications
While most impetigo cases resolve without complications, certain patients may develop more serious infections requiring prompt recognition and aggressive treatment.
Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, though rare, can occur 2-6 weeks after streptococcal impetigo, requiring monitoring for signs of kidney involvement. Cellulitis, lymphangitis, and bacteremia represent serious complications requiring immediate medical attention and systemic antibiotic therapy.
Managing Recurrent Impetigo
Patients experiencing frequent impetigo episodes require evaluation for bacterial colonization, underlying skin conditions, and potential immune system issues that may predispose to recurrent infections.
Nasal carriage of Staphylococcus aureus often contributes to recurrent impetigo, requiring specialized treatment with intranasal mupirocin to eliminate bacterial reservoirs and prevent reinfection.
Frequently Asked Questions About Impetigo
Impetigo remains contagious until 24-48 hours after starting appropriate antibiotic treatment, though lesions may take several days to completely heal and resolve.
Yes, impetigo is highly contagious and can spread from children to adults through direct contact with lesions or contaminated items like towels and clothing.
While impetigo may resolve spontaneously in 2-3 weeks, untreated infections can spread extensively, cause scarring, and lead to serious complications including kidney problems.
Strict handwashing, avoiding sharing personal items, covering lesions with bandages, and starting antibiotic treatment promptly help prevent household transmission.
Seek medical evaluation for any honey-colored crusted lesions, especially in children, or if lesions spread rapidly, develop signs of deeper infection, or don’t improve with initial treatment.
Board-Certified Dermatologist Serving Cincinnati, Ohio
Dr. Kristine Zitelli is a board-certified dermatologist serving the Cincinnati area, known for her expertise in treating a wide range of skin conditions. She completed her medical degree at Wright State University and dermatology residency at the University of Cincinnati, with additional advanced training at the UCSF Psoriasis and Skin Treatment Center. Her clinical focus includes thorough skin examinations, psoriasis, eczema, complex medical dermatology, surgical dermatology and cosmetic treatments using the latest technologies.
Dr. Zitelli has been named a “Top Doctor” in Cincinnati every year since 2016 as well as Cincinnati’s Top Dermatologist in 2020. She remains dedicated to educating the community about skin health and sun safety. Combining academic excellence, clinical research, and a compassionate approach, Dr. Zitelli delivers personalized, evidence-based care to every patient.
Effective Impetigo Treatment in Cincinnati
Don’t let impetigo disrupt your child’s activities or spread through your household. Dr. Zitelli’s prompt diagnosis and effective treatment protocols help patients in Cincinnati and Montgomery achieve rapid healing while preventing transmission to family and classmates. Schedule your impetigo evaluation today for comprehensive bacterial skin infection management and peace of mind.
