Definition

Noun: A highly contagious bacterial skin infection, most commonly seen in children. It is characterized by the development of localized red sores that quickly rupture, ooze fluid, and form a distinctive honey-colored crust.

Usage

"Impetigo" is a medical term used as a non-count noun to describe the condition itself. It is typically used in healthcare, parenting, and educational contexts. - The school nurse sent the child home due to a suspected case of impetigo. - Impetigo is often caused by Staphylococcus or Streptococcus bacteria. - Good hygiene can help prevent the spread of impetigo.

Advanced Usage

• "Bullous impetigo": A specific form of the infection characterized by larger, fluid-filled blisters (bullae).
  • Bullous impetigo is often caused by Staphylococcus aureus.
• "Non-bullous impetigo": The more common form, featuring smaller blisters that quickly crust over.
  • Non-bullous impetigo accounts for over 70% of cases.

Variants and Related Words

• Impetiginous (adj): Relating to or affected by impetigo.
  • The doctor noted the impetiginous lesions on the patient's face.

Synonyms

• Skin infection: A general term for infections affecting the skin.
• Contagious dermatitis: Inflammation of the skin that is transmissible (though this is a broader, less specific term).

Related Phrases

• "School sores": A common colloquial term for impetigo, especially in Australia and New Zealand, referring to its prevalence among school-aged children.
  • Many parents know impetigo by its informal name, "school sores".

Noun

1. a very contagious infection of the skin; common in children; localized redness develops into small blisters that gradually crust and erode