An infection of the skin, impetigo is caused by bacteria that’s spread by direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person.
Impetigo is an infection of the skin which is caused by bacteria known as staphylococci or streptococci, or by a combination of the two. It often occurs in seasonal outbreaks in the spring and fall, though it may be seen throughout the year. In the past, impetigo was falsely blamed on poor personal hygiene, but this is not true.
Impetigo occurs when a patient is exposed during the course of normal day to day contact with other persons. Impetigo quite often occurs in children, in the area surrounding the nose and mouth. In this situation, the skin disease indicates the presence of the same germ in the nose and throat, and it may be spread by sneezing or coughing. It may also be spread by direct skin to skin contact with an infected person.
