The paper will look at the pathophysiology, etiology, at risk populations, clinical manifestations, and prognosis of impetigo skin disorder.
Pathophysiology
There are two types of impetigo, namely primary and secondary. Primary impetigo is when previously healthy skin is affected by bacterial invasion through breakage, usually staphylococcus aureus or streptococcus pyogenes (Nardi, Schaefer, & Espil, 2021). Secondary impetigo is when an infection attacks a skin that was previously affected by impetigo (Nardi, Schaefer, & Espil, 2021).
Etiology
The first impetigo risk factor is malnutrition as the skin does not get enough nutrients, increasing its susceptibility to a bacterial infection (Nardi, Schaefer, & Espil, 2021). Also, those with suppressed immune systems are at a higher risk because their bodies are incapable of fighting off the impetigo bacterial infection (Nardi, Schaefer, & Espil, 2021). Impetigo is also as a result of overcrowding and poor hygiene, weakening the skin barrier (Nardi, Schaefer, & Espil, 2021). Skin breakdown also increases susceptibility to impetigo, particularly burns, trauma, herpes, and insect bites (Nardi, Schaefer, & Espil, 2021).
At Risk Populations
Impetigo is highly widespread, accounting for nearly 10% of all skin diseases among children (Nardi, Schaefer, & Espil, 2021). Moreover, impetigo’s rate of infection is similar in males and females (Nardi, Schaefer, & Espil, 2021). Among adults, men are at a higher risk (Nardi, Schaefer, & Espil, 2021). However, impetigo is generally prevalent among children less than 5 years (Nardi, Schaefer, & Espil, 2021). In fact, 90% of impetigo affects the children (Nardi, Schaefer, & Espil, 2021).
Clinical Manifestations
Those suffering from impetigo have red skin with itchy sores. The impetigo sores often break open, leaking fluids and pus. Over time, the impetigo develops into a crusty yellow scrub on top of the sore (Nardi, Schaefer, & Espil, 2021).
Prognosis
Impetigo can heal without treatment between 14 and 21 days (Nardi, Schaefer, & Espil, 2021). Also, 2 out of 10 impetigo cases disappear spontaneously (Nardi, Schaefer, & Espil, 2021). The typical impetigo healing time is 10 days with treatment (Nardi, Schaefer, & Espil, 2021). After impetigo healing, there is a high probability of pigmentation changes.
Infographics
References
Higuera, V. (2018). Is It Impetigo or Something Else? 8 Distinguishing Factors. EverydayHealth.com. Web.
Impetigo contagiosa, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment & prognosis.(2019). Health Jade. Web.
Impetigo. AOCD. (2022). Web.
Management of Impetigo. (2021). Bpac.org.nz. Web.
Nardi, N. M., Schaefer, T. J., & Espil, M. O. (2021). Impetigo.
Rehmus, W. (2021). Impetigo and Ecthyma – Skin Disorders – MSD Manual Consumer Version. MSD Manual Consumer Version. Web.