Impetigo

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Impetigo is a bacterial condition that affects the surface of the skin.

(Recall that the skin is also known as the "integument", or "integumentary system".)

The two forms of impetigo are:

• Nonbullous impetigo is caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus species, or both organisms. This mainly affects young children and is highly contagious with yellowish-brown crusting.
• Bullous impetigo is caused by Staphylococcus aureus. This is characterized by blisters, is less contagious than the nonbullous form, and occurs at any age.

See also skin conditions and disorders (all on one page). This may interest students of massage, reflexology, holistic treatments of various types, beauty therapies, and other health related courses.

Further information about skin includes the structure of skin (with diagram), an explanation of what dermatology means and includes and textbooks about dermatology.