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Q.

How is impetigo diagnosed?

Related Topics: Impetigo
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A.

Diagnosing impetigo is mostly straightforward based on the clinical appearance, though occasionally other conditions may look something like it. Infections such as tinea ("ringworm") or scabies (mites) may be confused with impetigo. It is important to note that not every blister means an impetigo infection. At times, other infected and noninfected skin diseases produce blister-like skin inflammation. Such conditions include herpes cold sores, chickenpox, poison ivy, skin allergies, eczema, and insect bites. Secondary infection of these diseases does occur sometimes. Medical judgment and occasionally culture tests, if necessary, are used to decide whether topical antibacterial creams will suffice or whether oral antibiotics will be necessary.

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