A bacterial skin infection characterized by pustules that crust and rupture is called?

• A. Ringworm
• B. Impetigo
• C. Rosacea
• D. Scabies

Answer: (B)

Impetigo presents as small pus-filled bumps that rupture and leave thick, honey-colored crusts. This pattern of pustules breaking open and forming crust is the classic sign of this superficial bacterial skin infection, often caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes and is highly contagious. Ringworm is a fungal infection that creates ring-shaped, scaly patches with central clearing, not the crusted pustules typical of impetigo. Rosacea involves facial redness and pimples but not the crusted pustules seen with impetigo. Scabies causes intense itching and burrows from mites, rather than the pus-filled lesions that crust over.