Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS) Practice Exam

Which of the following is a common complication of untreated impetigo?

1. Psoriasis

2. Scarring

3. Skin cancer

4. Systemic infections

The correct answer is: Systemic infections

The correct answer identifies systemic infections as a common complication of untreated impetigo. Impetigo is a bacterial skin infection, typically caused by staphylococcus or streptococcus bacteria, which can spread rapidly if not effectively treated. When left untreated, the infection can move beyond the superficial layers of the skin and potentially enter the bloodstream or other areas of the body, leading to systemic infections such as cellulitis, sepsis, or other severe complications. The bacterial nature of impetigo means that it can pose risks not only locally but also systemically, significantly affecting a person's overall health. Prompt treatment usually helps mitigate the risk of such infections, highlighting the importance of addressing impetigo early to prevent these serious complications.