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Impetigo, Sports Medicine

Arturo J. Aguilar, MD, CAQSM Reviewed 04/2019
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Superficial skin infection of the epidermis with Staphylococcus aureus or group A β-hemolytic streptococcus or a combination of the two, classically characterized as well-defined ery...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Mild itching and soreness 1,3

  • May be an infection of a minor skin injury or occur on unimpaired skin 1

  • May have accompanying pharyngitis 2

  • Bullous 1,2,3:

    • Starts with superficial vesicles,...

TREATMENT

Methods 1[C]: 
  • Soak affected skin in warm water for 5 to 10 min 3 times daily until cleared.

  • Gently remove honey-colored crusts to improve antibiotic penetration.

MEDICATION

First Line

ONGOING CARE

Return-to-play guidelines 4[C]: 
  • College:

    • National Collegiate Athletic Association wrestling rules for competition:

      • Oral antibiotics for at least 72 hr prior to competition

      • No new lesions for...

REFERENCES

1
Adams BB, ed. Bacterial skin infections. In: Sports Dermatology. New York, NY: Springer; 2006:3–8.
2
Habif PT, ed. Bacterial infections. In: Clinical Dermatology. New York, NY: Mosby; 2004:2...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Impetigo is a superficial skin infection caused by Staphylococcus or Streptococcus.

  • Signs include vesicles, with/without bullae, erythematous papules, and honey-colored crusts.

  • Treat mil...

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