[Non bullous impetigo: streptococcal or staphylococcal?].

Non bullous impetigo is very common among the pediatric population. It is caused by bacteria. For twenty years, Staphylococcus aureus has been the most frequently isolated organism (present in 80 % of non bullous impetigo lesions, it is the only pathogen cultured in 50 % of patients). The group A beta-haemolytic streptococcus is at the moment isolated alone in 3% of lesions and in association with S. Aureus in 30 % of patients. An epidemiologic change seems to have occurred. Until the early 1980s, group A beta-haemolytic streptococcus was indeed the most predominant etiologic agent causing non bullous impetigo. Unfortunately, the rate of resistance among staphylococci responsible of non bullous impetigo is increasing. As serious complications can follow this skin infection, an appropriate treatment is necessary combining local care, topical antibiotics and sometimes adjunction of systemic antibiotics.