The best antibiotic for impetigo typically involves beta-lactamase-resistant options. Specifically, cephalexin is often considered the drug of choice for oral antimicrobial therapy, especially in children.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
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Why Beta-Lactamase Resistance is Important: Staphylococcus aureus is a common cause of impetigo, and many strains produce beta-lactamase, an enzyme that inactivates certain antibiotics like penicillin. Therefore, antibiotics resistant to this enzyme are preferred.
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Recommended Antibiotics: Examples of suitable antibiotics include:
- Cephalosporins (like cephalexin)
- Amoxicillin-clavulanate
- Dicloxacillin
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Cephalexin: Cephalexin is frequently recommended, particularly for children, due to its effectiveness and safety profile.
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Important Note: Always consult a doctor for diagnosis and the most appropriate treatment plan based on individual circumstances, the severity of the impetigo, and local antibiotic resistance patterns. What works best can vary.
