impetigo

impetigo definition - medical

im·pe·ti·go (ĭmˌpĭ-tīˈgō)

noun pl. im·pe·ti·gos
A contagious skin infection caused by staphylococcal or streptococcal bacteria and characterized by the eruption of superficial pustules that rupture and form thick yellow crusts, usually on the face; it is most commonly seen in children. Also called impetigo contagiosa, impetigo vulgaris.

The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

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