Which disease is a bacterial skin infection characterized by isolated pustules that crust and rupture?

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

Answer: (C)

Imtpetigo is a bacterial skin infection that presents with isolated pustules that crust and rupture, forming honey-colored crusts over red, irritated skin. It’s most common in children and is highly contagious, spreading through direct contact or shared items. The usual culprits are Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. You’ll often see small vesicles or pustules that quickly rupture, leaving characteristic crusts, typically around the nose and mouth but possible anywhere on exposed skin. Treatment depends on how widespread it is: mild cases may improve with topical antibiotics like mupirocin, while more extensive infections or those not responding to topicals may require oral antibiotics. This differs from ringworm, which is fungal and causes ring-shaped, scaly patches; rosacea, which is chronic facial redness with occasional papules but not crusted pustules; and pediculosis, which involves itching and lice/nits rather than crusted pustules.