Back to Basics: A common rash
12 yo male with no significant pmh presents to the ED with a progressive rash on his feet over the past week. Afebrile and hemodynamically stable. No improvement with topical mupirocin and PO Clindamycin. Derm photos below. Diagnosis? Treatment plan?
Bullous impetigo
Appearance:
Bullae and/or blisters, clear-yellow fluid that turns dark, leaves yellow crust when rupture
Cause:
-- Staph aureus (MSSA or MRSA) - Epidermolytic toxin A and B act locally to cause blisters
-- Also consider Strep pyogenes (GAS)
Treatment:
Spontaneous resolution in 2-3 weeks OR ...
Antibiotic options:
References:
Hartman-Adams H, Banvard C, Juckett G. Impetigo: Diagnosis and Treatment. Am Fam Physician. 2014 Aug 15;90(4):229-35.
Bonfante G, Dunn A. Rashes in Infants and Children. In: Tintinalli JE, Stapczynski J, Ma O, Yealy DM, Meckler GD, Cline DM. eds. Tintinalli’s Emergency Medicine: A Comprehensive Study Guide, 8e New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2016.
Lee CK. Drug Dosages. In: Hughes HK, Kahl LK. The Harriet Lane Handbook, 21e, 2018