Question

A 4 year old female patient comes to the clinic with classic signs of impetigo. The rash are bullous, which appear as large blisters. Some of the blisters have ruptured and are red weeping shallow ulcers. Other lesions have honey-colored crusts. Which of the following is an appropriate treatment option for this patient?

a. Doxycycline
b. Cephalexin (Keflex)
c. Benadryl
d. Rifampin

Answer 1

Cephalexin (Keflex) is the appropriate treatment for a 4-year-old with bullous impetigo, a skin infection caused by certain bacteria. Topical or oral antibiotics are typically used to treat impetigo. Doxycycline, Benadryl, and Rifampin are not recommended treatments for this condition in young children.

Step-by-step explanation:

The appropriate treatment option for a 4-year-old female patient with classic signs of bullous impetigo is Cephalexin (Keflex). Impetigo, especially common in children, is a highly contagious skin infection that can be caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, or a combination of both. It's characterized by the formation of vesicles, pustules, or bullae that rupture, producing encrusted sores around the nose and mouth. These sores can develop into large blisters with honey-colored crusts once ruptured.

For the treatment of impetigo, topical or oral antibiotics are typically effective. Cephalexin is a suitable oral antibiotic for this condition, while other antibiotics like doxycycline are not recommended for younger children due to the risk of teeth discoloration and effects on bone growth. Benadryl and Rifampin are not standard treatments for impetigo. Benadryl is an antihistamine used for allergic reactions, and Rifampin is an antibiotic generally reserved for treating tuberculosis or as part of the treatment for certain staphylococcal infections but is not a first-line treatment for impetigo.