Impetigo in children in sector Gaza

Objective: To present a profile of impetigo in children in sector Gaza. Methods: All patients that were seen in the outpatient clinic in Jordanian hospital in Gaza between 25/11/2010 and 24/01/2011and presented with skin rash were examined for impetigo. Patients were divided into three age groups: group I: 0-5 years, group II: 5-9 years and group III: 9-14 years. Results: A total of 6530 children were seen in outpatient clinic for various diseases and conditions during study period. 165 cases of impetigo were reported with 108 males and 57 females. Impetigo was higher in age group II: age 5-9 years, followed by group III: 9-14 years. The incidence of impetigo among children seen in clinic was 0.02% and was higher in males. Commonest manifestation was blisters or sores on the face, neck, hands, and diaper area. Conclusion: Impetigo is a common disease among children in Gaza. Major contributing factors to this disease are: crowding, poor hygiene, scarce water supplies, low socio-economic class, warm weather and presence of already irritated skin by problems such as eczema and insect bites.