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

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

Group A strep bacteria can cause many different infections, including the skin infection impetigo which causes sores, scarlet fever and strep throat.

From BBC ● Dec. 29, 2022

Jones and other female elders help run the relief effort, organizing donations and hot meals for the children, many of whom suffered recurrent infectious diseases like impetigo, ringworm and diarrhea.

From The Guardian ● Nov. 29, 2019

The two forms of impetigo, finally, never display the generalized eruption of severe varicella.

From A System of Practical Medicine by American Authors, Vol. I Volume 1: Pathology and General Diseases by Various

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---