How is mild impetigo typically treated?

Mild impetigo, a common bacterial skin infection often caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes, is typically treated with topical antibiotics. This approach is effective because the infection is generally localized to the skin and can be managed without systemic treatment, provided the lesions are limited in number and severity.

Topical agents like mupirocin or fusidic acid are commonly prescribed as they directly target the bacteria causing the infection and can help in rapid resolution of the lesions while minimizing side effects associated with systemic medications. This localized treatment is particularly advantageous in pediatric cases, where the side effects and compliance issues related to oral medications can be a concern.

In contrast, oral antibiotics may be required in more extensive cases or if there is a lack of response to topical treatment, but mild cases typically do not necessitate this more intensive approach. Antiviral medications are not relevant here since impetigo is a bacterial condition, not viral, and topical steroid creams would not treat the underlying infection and could potentially worsen the condition by suppressing local immune response and allowing the infection to spread.