Impetigo contagiosa is described as?

• A. Flesh eating disorder that you can treat with topical and oral antibiotics
• B. A viral skin infection that resolves on its own
• C. A fungal infection requiring antifungal cream
• D. A bacterial pneumonia

Answer: (A)

Impetigo contagiosa is a contagious bacterial skin infection that affects the superficial layers of the skin. It’s most often caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. The typical appearance is vesicles that crust over with honey-colored crusts, usually on the face around the nose and mouth, and it spreads easily through direct contact or shared objects.

Treatment focuses on eliminating the bacteria and preventing spread. For mild, localized cases, a topical antibiotic such as mupirocin is commonly used. If the infection is more extensive or not responding to topical therapy, an oral antibiotic like cephalexin may be prescribed. Alongside antibiotics, good hygiene and avoiding sharing towels or bedding help reduce transmission.

This condition is not a flesh-eating disease (necrotizing soft tissue infection), nor is it viral or fungal, and it isn’t pneumonia.