GuidelinesEML (Adult Hospital STG)
Impetigo
Standard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List for South Africa, Hospital Level, Adults 2019 Edition
L01.0-1A + (B95.0-8)
DESCRIPTION
Superficial skin infection, starting as vesicles with an inflammatory halo. Later a characteristic honey-coloured crust on erythematous base develops which heals without scarring. Usually caused by group A streptococci or staphylococci. Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis is a potential complication.
GENERAL MEASURES
- Good personal and household hygiene to reduce carriage of organisms and spread of infection.
- Wash and soak lesions in soapy water to soften and remove crusts.
MEDICINE TREATMENT
Antibiotic therapy
- Flucloxacillin, oral, 500 mg 6 hourly for 5 days
Severe penicillin allergy: (Z88.0)
- Macrolide, e.g.:
- Azithromycin, oral, 500 mg daily for 3 days
Standard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List for South Africa, Adult Hospital Level, 2020-2024_Version 1.0_07 November 2024
Chapter 4 Dermatology_4.3 Impetigo
Drugs mentioned
ICD-10 codes
- B95.0Streptococcus, group A, as the cause of diseases classified to other chapters
- B95.1Streptococcus, group B, as the cause of diseases classified to other chapters
- B95.2Streptococcus, group D, as the cause of diseases classified to other chapters
- B95.3Streptococcus pneumoniae as the cause of diseases classified to other chapters
- B95.4Other streptococcus as the cause of diseases classified to other chapters
- B95.5Unspecified streptococcus as the cause of diseases classified to other chapters
- B95.6Staphylococcus aureus as the cause of diseases classified to other chapters
- B95.7Other staphylococcus as the cause of diseases classified to other chapters
- B95.8Unspecified staphylococcus as the cause of diseases classified to other chapters
- L01.0Impetigo [any organism] [any site]
- L01.1Impetiginization of other dermatoses
- Z88.0Personal history of allergy to penicillin