Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS) Practice Exam

What is one of the primary treatments for impetigo?

1. Antiviral medication

2. Antifungal cream

3. Topical or oral antibiotics

4. Corticosteroid injections

The correct answer is: Topical or oral antibiotics

One of the primary treatments for impetigo is the use of topical or oral antibiotics. Impetigo is a highly contagious skin infection often caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. The condition typically presents with red sores or blisters that can burst and form a yellowish crust. The rationale for using antibiotics, either in topical or oral form, is to effectively eliminate the bacterial infection that causes impetigo. Topical antibiotics, such as mupirocin, are commonly applied directly to the affected area for localized infections, while oral antibiotics may be prescribed for more widespread cases or when the infection is more severe. Other treatment options listed do not address the underlying bacterial infection responsible for impetigo. Antiviral medications would be inappropriate, as they target viral infections and impetigo is not caused by a virus. Antifungal creams are ineffective as they are designed to treat fungal infections, not bacterial ones. Corticosteroid injections are used to reduce inflammation and are not suitable for treating infections like impetigo directly. Thus, topical or oral antibiotics are the most appropriate and effective treatment for this condition.