impetigo

American  

[im-pi-tahy-goh] / ˌɪm pɪˈtaɪ goʊ /

noun

Pathology.

1. a contagious skin disease, especially of children, usually caused by streptococcal bacteria, marked by a superficial pustular eruption, particularly on the face.

---

impetigo British  

/ ˌɪmpɪˈtaɪɡəʊ /

noun

1. a contagious bacterial skin disease characterized by the formation of pustules that develop into yellowish crusty sores

---

impetigo Scientific  

/ ĭm′pĭ-tī′gō /

1. A contagious skin infection caused by staphylococcal or streptococcal bacteria and seen most commonly in children. Impetigo is characterized by superficial pustules that rupture and form thick yellow crusts, usually on the face.

---

Other Word Forms

• impetiginous
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of impetigo

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin impetīgō, equivalent to impet ( ere ) to make for, attack ( see impetus) + -īgō, as in vertīgō vertigo

Compare meaning

How does impetigo compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• impetigo vs. ringworm

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

impetigo

Vaccines currently in development for Staphylococcus aureus infections, including MRSA, might have the side effect of fighting atopic dermatitis, cellulitis and impetigo — maybe even acne.

From Salon ● Jul. 12, 2025

Ali McKerrow, whose young son was prescribed an impetigo cream at the pharmacy, says the scheme will help working parents.

From BBC ● Jan. 30, 2024

It’s a health issue, with higher rates of respiratory illnesses and skin infections like impetigo and boils where plumbing doesn’t exist.

From Seattle Times ● Sep. 8, 2023

She would have continued had it not been for her son’s rashes, later diagnosed as impetigo, which she believes came from bacteria on the roof’s shingles.

From The Guardian ● Oct. 4, 2018

Treated four cases of impetigo, one cut finger, opened two boils.

From Health Work in the Public Schools by Leonard Porter Ayres