MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Impetigo on a child's face

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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: 10/16/2006

Updated by: Michael S. Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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