Abstract
Impetigo is a mild bacterial skin infection of childhood that is usually managed empirically in primary care. To establish the prevalence and associations of impetigo in general practice (GP) registrars' consultations. Cross-sectional analysis of the Registrar Clinical Encounters in Training (ReCEnT) study data. Impetigo was managed in 0.24% of problems and 0.43% of consultations. Patient variables associated with impetigo presentations were younger age and impetigo as a new problem, while patients with non-English-speaking backgrounds were less likely to present with impetigo. Associated registrar variables were being new to the registrar and practicing in outer regional/remote locations. Compared with all other problems/diagnoses, impetigo more often involved information seeking, ordering pathology, and prescription of medication, but less often involved follow-up or referral. Impetigo accounts for 0.43 per 100 GP registrar consultations in Australia. Association with outer regional/remote areas may reflect climate and socioeconomic factors that predispose to impetigo. Associated pathology requests may reflect a lack of confidence in GP registrars' management of impetigo. Cultural differences may exist regarding health-seeking behavior relating to impetigo.
Highlights
Impetigo is a common skin infection [1,2] caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes [2,3]
Patient variables associated with impetigo presentations were younger age and impetigo as a new problem, while patients with non–English-speaking backgrounds were less likely to present with impetigo
The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of impetigo presenting to Australian general practice (GP) registrars, and the associations and outcomes of these consultations
Summary
Impetigo is a common skin infection [1,2] caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes [2,3]. It is often seen in childhood and is associated with poverty and tropical environments [2] and is most prevalent in remote indigenous Australian children [2]. As a mild disease with good prognosis and potential for self-resolution [3], impetigo is managed in primary care [3,4], but because of its significant disease burden and highly contagious nature [2,3], empirical antibiotic treatment is recommended. Impetigo is a mild bacterial skin infection of childhood that is usually managed empirically in primary care
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