Impetigo, one of the most common skin infections among kids,
usually produces blisters or sores on the face, neck, hands, and
diaper area. This contagious superficial skin infection is
generally caused by one of two bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus
or Streptococcus pyogenes (also called group A streptococcus,
which also causes strep throat). Methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is also becoming an important cause
of impetigo. Impetigo usually affects preschool and school-age
children. A child may be more likely to develop impetigo if the
skin has already been irritated by other skin problems, such as
eczema, poison ivy, insect bites, and cuts or scrapes due to
minor trauma. Good hygiene can help prevent impetigo, which
often develops when there is a sore or a rash that has been
scratched repeatedly (for example, poison ivy can get infected
and turn into impetigo). Doctors can usually diagnose impetigo
based on the appearance of the rash. Occasionally, they may need
to take a sample of fluid from