Impetigo & Ecthyma Disease Summary

Impetigo is a very contagious, superficial, bacterial skin infection that easily spreads among people in close contact, while ecthyma is a deeply ulcerated form of impetigo that extends to the dermis.
Impetigo can be bullous or nonbullous, which may present as macules and papules that quickly become vesicles. While ecthyma presents as pustules and vesicles that become ulcerated that may be covered with crusts.
Diagnosis of impetigo and ecthyma is usually based on clinical presentation.
Duration of treatment is tailored according to clinical improvement.

For further information regarding the management of Impetigo & Ecthyma, please refer to Disease Algorithm for the Treatment Guideline.