Impetigo on a child's face: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia Image

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Impetigo on a child's face



	Impetigo is a highly contagious disease caused by streptococcus or staphylococcus bacteria. It causes a superficial skin infection which appears red with yellow or golden crusts. It is seen frequently in children on the face, upper trunk, and arms. Note that the nose is also infected.

Update Date: 10/3/2008

Updated by: Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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