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Impetigo

(Science: dermatology, microbiology) a contagious pyoderma caused by direct inoculation of group a streptococci or staphylococcus aureus into superficial cutaneous abrasions or compromised skin.

It is most commonly seen in children, usually located on the face, especially about the nose and mouth.

The characteristic features are the presence of discrete fragile vesicles surrounded by an erythematous border that become pustular and rupture to discharge a thin, amber coloured seropurulent fluid that dries and forms a thick yellowish crust, the pustules may spread peripherally with central healing, evolving into annular, circinate or gyrate patterns.