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.

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impetigo British  

/ ˌɪmpɪˈtɪdʒɪnəs, ˌɪmpɪˈtaɪɡəʊ /

noun

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

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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.

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Other Word Forms

• impetiginous adjective

Etymology

Origin of impetigo

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin impetīgō, equivalent to impet ( ere ) to make for, attack ( 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

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

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

I’d always wear a shirt around the house for fear that she’d diagnose one of my back pimples as a case of impetigo again.

From Salon • May 18, 2013

Reasoning from which it has been found that the tincture, in a reduced form, and of a diminished strength, proves admirably curative of eczema, impetigo, and ecthyma.

From Herbal Simples Approved for Modern Uses of Cure by Fernie, William Thomas