IMPETIGO Meaning and
Definition
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Impetigo is a contagious bacterial skin infection primarily caused by either Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria. It primarily affects children, but can also occur in adults, especially those with compromised immune systems or poor hygiene. The infection is characterized by the appearance of red sores or blisters that burst, ooze fluid, and subsequently form a yellowish-brown crust over the affected area. These lesions are often itchy and tend to occur on the face, particularly around the mouth and nose, as well as on the hands and other exposed parts of the body.
Impetigo is usually spread through direct contact, such as scratching or touching the sores, or through sharing contaminated items like towels, clothing, or bedding. It is more prevalent in warm and humid environments or during the summer months.
Treatment typically involves proper hygiene practices, such as regularly washing the affected areas with antibacterial soap and warm water. In more severe cases, oral or topical antibiotics may be prescribed by a healthcare professional to eliminate the bacterial infection.
While impetigo is generally a mild infection that clears up within a couple of weeks, complications can arise, including the development of cellulitis (a bacterial infection of the skin and underlying tissues) or the spread of bacteria to other body parts. Seeking medical advice is recommended to ensure appropriate management and prevent the transmission of impetigo to others.
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An eruption of pustules, which soon rupture or become crusted, occurring chiefly on the face around the mouth and nostrils, caused by infection with pus microorganisms; it is variously qualified as simplex, contagiosa, vulgaris, streptogenes, staphylogenes, or, according to the shape of the patches caused by grouping of the lesions, circinata, gyrata, or figurata.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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A skin disease characterised by clusters of pustules which run into a crust; a running tetter.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for IMPETIGO
- umpetigo
- jmpetigo
- kmpetigo
- ompetigo
- 9mpetigo
- 8mpetigo
- inpetigo
- ikpetigo
- Impotigo
- impetiy
Etymology of IMPETIGO
The word "impetigo" has its roots in Latin. It is derived from the Latin words "im-" meaning "in" or "upon", and "petigo" meaning "scab" or "eruption". The term was used in ancient Rome to describe a contagious skin infection characterized by the formation of crusts or scabs. Over time, the word "impetigo" was adopted into English to refer to a common bacterial skin infection that causes red sores to form with yellow crusts.
Similar spelling words for IMPETIGO
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