Impetigo typically appears as red sores or blisters that quickly burst, leaving characteristic crusty, golden-brown patches that can resemble cornflakes stuck to the skin.
Key Visual Characteristics of Impetigo
The appearance of impetigo progresses through distinct stages, making it identifiable:
- Initial Sores or Blisters: The infection often begins with small, red sores or blisters. These can appear anywhere on the body but are commonly found around the nose, mouth, hands, and neck. It's important to note that the redness associated with these initial sores may be harder to see on brown and black skin tones.
- Rapid Progression to Crusting: These initial sores or blisters are fragile and tend to burst quickly. Once they rupture, they leave behind open areas that then develop into the most tell-tale sign of impetigo.
- Golden-Brown Crusted Patches: After the blisters burst, they form distinctive crusts. These patches are typically golden-brown in color and have a "stuck-on" appearance, often compared to cornflakes adhering to the skin. This crusty stage is highly contagious.
Here's a summary of what to look for:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Early Stage | Starts as small red sores or blisters. |
| Color Variation | The redness of early sores might be less noticeable on darker skin tones (brown and black skin), making the subsequent crusting a more prominent diagnostic feature. |
| Bursting & Discharge | The blisters are fragile and quickly burst, leading to a weeping or oozing stage. |
| Characteristic Crusts | After bursting, the areas dry and form distinctive golden-brown crusts. These patches are often described as looking like cornflakes that have dried onto the skin. |
| Common Locations | While impetigo can appear anywhere, it is frequently found on the face (especially around the mouth and nose), hands, and neck. |
Understanding these visual cues is crucial for recognizing impetigo. For further information on this common skin infection, you can refer to reliable health resources that provide detailed descriptions and guidance on management.
