Skin Condition

Impetigo (impetigo contagiosa) is a highly contagious skin infection that mostly affects children. Children are especially susceptible to impetigo infections because their immune systems are still developing. Impetigo causes a thick, honey-colored, crusty rash that most often appears on the face and limbs. It's common in warm, humid conditions. Impetigo spreads easily in schools and in child care settings, as well as anywhere groups of people are in close contact. Crowding and poor personal hygiene can contribute to the spread of impetigo.1

Many antibacterials including topical ALTABAX are effective in treating impetigo due to Staphylococcus aureus* and Streptococcus pyogenes.

It is important to note that a skin infection with systemic involvement (eg, fever, hypothermia, tachycardia, or hypotension) may indicate a severe soft tissue or necrotizing infection. In this case, further diagnostic tests and additional treatment measures are warranted.2

ALTABAX is approved to treat impetigo in both children and adults. In addition to topical therapy with ALTABAX, patients should be encouraged to practice basic hygiene.

References:

  1. Baddour LM. Impetigo, folliculitis, furunculosis, and carbuncles. Available at: http://www.utdol.com. Accessed August 8, 2006.
  2. Stevens DL, Bisno AL, Chambers HF, et al. Practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of skin and soft-tissue infections. Clin Infect Dis. 2005;41:1373-1406.