Definition of impetigo

impetigonoun

chốc lở

/ˌɪmpɪˈtaɪɡəʊ//ˌɪmpɪˈtaɪɡəʊ/

The word "impetigo" originated from the Latin word "impetiginem," which means "anything that is put in or thrown into something." In medieval times, people used this term to describe any type of boil or infection that seemed to be injected or thrown into the skin. However, its modern meaning is a bacterial infection of the skin. The term "impetigo" was initially used in the 19th century to describe a specific type of skin infection characterized by the formation of yellowish-brown crusts on the skin, especially in children. The bacteria responsible for impetigo is named Staphylococcus aureus or group A streptococci. These bacteria commonly live on the skin and in the nose but can pass to other body parts or to other people through close contact, sharing towels or touching infected surfaces. Globally, impetigo is a common infection, especially in developing countries, where it causes significant morbidity, particularly in young children. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, such as antibiotics, can help prevent complications and the spread of the infection.

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Example:
  • After noticing pus-filled blisters on his face, the doctor diagnosed the patient with impetigo.
  • The school nurse advised parents to keep their children home if they had impetigo to prevent the spread of the bacterial infection in the classroom.
  • The football coach recommended that the player with impetigo avoid contact sports until his sores had healed to prevent further infection.
  • The impetigo on her arms had spread rapidly, covering a large portion of her skin.
  • The antibiotic cream prescribed by the doctor helped to clear up the impetigo on his child's legs within a week.
  • Impetigo can be highly contagious, especially among people who come into close contact with each other.
  • The dermatologist explained to her patient that impetigo is caused by bacteria known as staphylococcus aureus.
  • She covered her impetigo lesions with bandages to prevent the spread of infection to others.
  • The impetigo on his son's face had extended to his eyelids, necessitating a trip to the eye doctor for treatment.
  • The teenager expressed frustration with the embarrassing appearance of her impetigo scars, which left permanent marks on her skin.