Impetigo is quite common in the toddler set. To understand why this is, it is best to get a handle on why impetigo occurs in the first place. Group A streptococcus is a bacteria that may be found commonly in the skin, nose, and throat of many individuals. Impetigo only occurs when there is a break in the skin to allow bacteria to enter. The irritative nasal mucous breaks down the skin which allows for the streptococcus to enter and cause infection.
Diaper rash is another culprit in causing skin breakdown.
But toddlers aren't the only ones who get impetigo. With this bacteria being so prevalent in the environment and children being so active and relatively accident prone, the combination of cuts and bacteria add up for easy skin infection. It usually shows up in spots that have been noticed by parents to be areas of skin that were already irritated. It typically has a crusty, honey-colored appearance especially in the facial areas. The treatment for the infection depends upon how extensive it is.