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Impetigo

By Heather Brannon, MD, About.com

Updated: January 04, 2004

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Definition: Impetigo is a superficial bacterial skin infection caused by Staphylococci and Streptococci bacteria. The hallmark finding of impetigo is a honey colored crust that covers a well-demarcated red lesion. Impetigo is treated with the topical antibiotic mupirocin (Bactroban).
Pronunciation: im-puh-TY-go (noun)
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