Overview Impetigo is a bacterial skin infection characterized by the eruption of superficial pustules and the formation of thick, yellow, crusty sores. It is highly contagious and can occur anywhere on the body, especially exposed areas. The two different types of impetigo are bullous impetigo, which is made up of large blisters, and non-bullous impetigo, which has a crust on the blisters. Nonbullous impetigo is the most common type. Both types require contact precautions because they can be transmitted through physical contact with anyone affected, sharing the same clothes, bedding, towels, etc... Because of the way young children proceed with their style of life, touching everything within their reach, the primary age groups affected by this infection are, in fact, young children. It is most common on the facial area, mainly around the nose and mouth, but sometimes appears on the arms and legs. Although children are the primary hosts of this infection, they are not the only hosts. Even adult men and women can be subject to the problems of impetigo. (http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/understanding-impetigo-basics) (Nemours, 1995-2011) The two main bacteria that cause impetigo are Staphylococcus aureus, the most common cause , and Streptococcus pyogenes. If left untreated, Streptococcus pyogenes can also cause post-streptococcal glumerulonephritis, or a disease that causes inflammation of the kidney following a streptococcal infection. Although this is rare, it is still necessary to take standard precautions to prevent these repercussions. Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes are the main causes of impetigo, but they are not the only ones. Other lesions, such as eczema, lice, insect bites... middle of paper... simply washing your hands and showering regularly can eliminate the possibility of encountering this bacteria. Additionally, doctors encourage paying special attention to areas with a broken protective barrier. It is recommended to keep these areas extremely clean and away from possible transmitters of impetigo. (Nemours, 1995-2011)Works Cited"Impetigo". KidsHealth: The most visited children's health site on the web. Np, nd Web. October 26, 2011. “Cause of Impetigo.” Home Page of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Np, nd Web. October 26, 2011. "Causes of Impetigo, Contagiousness, Transmission, Complications." WebMD: Better information. Better health.. Np, nd Web. October 26. 2011. .