GuidelinesOther guideline
Impetigo
Infection Impetigo Brief outline/clinical setting Highly contagious bacterial infection of the superficial layers of the epidermis, discrete purulent lesions. Aetiologies/organisms β-hemolytic streptococci and S. aureus Optimal antimicrobial selection Mupirocin 5 days (topical); Flucloxacillin 500mg 6 hourly po Duration 7 days Alternative if allergic/not available Clindamycin 450 mg qid po, co-tr
| Infection | Impetigo |
| Brief outline/clinical setting | Highly contagious bacterial infection of the superficial layers of the epidermis, discrete purulent lesions. |
| Aetiologies/organisms | β-hemolytic streptococci and S. aureus |
| Optimal antimicrobial selection | Mupirocin 5 days (topical); Flucloxacillin 500mg 6 hourly po |
| Duration | 7 days |
| Alternative if allergic/not available | Clindamycin 450 mg qid po, co-trimoxazole 1–2 double strength tablets bd po |
| Rationale | Bullous and non- bullous impetigo can be treated with oral or topical antimicrobials, but oral therapy is recommended for patients with numerous lesions or in outbreaks affecting several people to help decrease transmission of infection |
| Level of evidence | Guidelines (Strong recommendation, high quality evidence) |
| Link to Guideline | Click here |