After studying Module 4: Lecture Materials & Resources, discuss impetigo for pediatrics and its treatment modalities.

Struggling with where to start your discussion? Follow this guide!

Impetigo is a common superficial bacterial skin infection in children, often caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. It is highly contagious and typically affects the face, hands, and extremities. Pediatric populations are most susceptible, especially toddlers and preschool-aged children, due to close contact in schools and daycare settings.

Key Points for Discussion

1. Clinical Presentation in Pediatrics

Types of impetigo:
- Non-bullous (crusted) – most common; presents with honey-colored crusts over erythematous base.
- Bullous – larger fluid-filled blisters, more often caused by Staphylococcus aureus.
Symptoms: itching, redness, oozing lesions, mild discomfort.
Complications (rare but important): post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, cellulitis.

2. Transmission

Highly contagious via direct skin-to-skin contact or contaminated objects (toys, towels).
Spread is more common in warm, humid climates and in settings with crowded conditions.

3. Treatment Modalities

Topical antibiotics:
- Mupirocin or retapamulin applied 2–3 times daily for 5–10 days for localized, mild impetigo.
Oral antibiotics (for extensive or bullous impetigo, or multiple lesions):
- Cephalexin, dicloxacillin, or clindamycin depending on local resistance patterns.
Supportive care:
- Gentle cleansing of lesions
- Keeping nails short to reduce scratching
- Covering lesions to prevent spread

4. Prevention and Infection Control

Hand hygiene and avoiding sharing personal items
Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and toys
Exclusion from school or daycare until lesions are healed or 24–48 hours after starting antibiotics

5. Nursing Considerations

Assess lesion type, number, and distribution
Educate caregivers on proper antibiotic application and hygiene measures
Monitor for signs of secondary infection or spread

References (APA 7th Edition Example)

James, W. D., Berger, T. G., & Elston, D. M. (2015). Andrews’ Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology (13th ed.). Elsevier.
American Academy of Pediatrics. (2019). Red Book: 2018 Report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases (31st ed.). American Academy of Pediatrics.

Pediatric Impetigo: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment