Cellulitis and impetigo are both common skin infections, but they differ in their characteristics, causes, and effects on the skin.
Cellulitis:
- Affects the skin and the soft tissue below it, typically caused by streptococcus or staphylococcus bacteria entering through a crack or break in the skin.
- Occurs in the deeper subcutaneous tissues, resulting in a pinkish hue with less defined edges.
- Local signs of inflammation, such as warmth, erythema, and pain, are usually present.
- Systematic symptoms like fever, chills, and malaise may also be present.
- Diagnosis is usually made clinically, and the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) does not recommend routine collection of cultures.
Impetigo:
- A highly contagious skin infection caused by bacteria, primarily strep or staph, infecting the skin through a break like a cut, insect bite, or bodily injury.
- Involves the outer keratin layer of the skin, resulting in crusty lesions.
- Commonly seen in children aged two to five years and is classified as bullous or nonbullous.
- The nonbullous type presents with an erosion (sore), cluster of erosions, or small vesicles or pustules that have an adherent or oozing honey-yellow crust.
In summary, cellulitis is a deeper infection affecting the skin and soft tissue, while impetigo is a more superficial, contagious infection that results in crusty lesions. The two conditions are caused by different bacteria and have distinct clinical presentations.
Comparative Table: Cellulitis vs Impetigo
Cellulitis and impetigo are both bacterial skin infections, but they have some key differences. Here's a table summarizing the differences between the two:
Feature | Cellulitis | Impetigo |
---|---|---|
Affected Population | Affects children and adults equally | Mainly affects infants and young children |
Contagiousness | Not contagious | Highly contagious |
Causative Bacteria | Often caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes | Usually caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, or a combination of both |
Symptoms | Painful, erythematous infection of the dermis and subcutaneous tissues characterized by warmth, edema, and advancing borders | Presents with an erosion, cluster of erosions, or small vesicles or pustules that have an adherent or oozing honey-yellow crust |
Treatment | Antibiotics are typically used to treat cellulitis | Antibiotics can shorten an impetigo infection and keep it from spreading to others |
Both infections are caused by gram-positive bacteria and can be diagnosed through physical examination.
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