What is a common complication of impetigo?

Impetigo is a highly contagious skin infection commonly caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. One of the primary complications associated with impetigo is cellulitis, which is a bacterial infection of the skin and underlying tissues. This can occur when the bacteria from the impetigo infection spread deeper into the skin, leading to inflammation, redness, and swelling.

Cellulitis can develop because the skin barrier is compromised in cases of impetigo. The presence of excoriated skin allows bacteria to invade the deeper layers, potentially leading to a more serious infection that requires prompt medical attention. Symptoms of cellulitis include warmth, swelling, and tenderness in the affected area, and it may also be associated with systemic symptoms like fever.

While other complications, such as sepsis, abscess formation, and necrotizing fasciitis, may theoretically arise from bacterial skin infections, they are less common. Sepsis generally occurs in situations where bacteria enter the bloodstream, which is more associated with more severe infections or systemic illness. Abscess formation can happen in some cases but is typically localized rather than a widespread complication. Necrotizing fasciitis is a severe, life-threatening condition that would not be a common complication of routine