Prevalence and Associations of General Practice Registrars' Management of Impetigo: A Cross-Sectional Analysis From the Registrar Clinical Encounters in Training (ReCEnT) Study

• Published in: Dermatology practical & conceptual 2020-04, Vol.10 (2), p.e2020043-e2020043
• Main Authors: Gorges, Hilary, Heal, Clare, van Driel, Mieke, Tapley, Amanda, Davis, Joshua, Davey, Andrew, Holliday, Elizabeth, Ball, Jean, Najib, Nashwa, Spike, Neil, Fitzgerald, Kristen, Magin, Parker
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: bacterial; impetigo; prevalence; primary care; skin infection
• ISSN: 2160-9381; 2160-9381
• DOI: 10.5826/dpc.1002a43

Impetigo is a mild bacterial skin infection of childhood that is usually managed empirically in primary care. To establish the prevalence and associations of impetigo in general practice (GP) registrars' consultations. Cross-sectional analysis of the Registrar Clinical Encounters in Training (ReCEnT) study data. Impetigo was managed in 0.24% of problems and 0.43% of consultations. Patient variables associated with impetigo presentations were younger age and impetigo as a new problem, while patients with non-English-speaking backgrounds were less likely to present with impetigo. Associated registrar variables were being new to the registrar and practicing in outer regional/remote locations. Compared with all other problems/diagnoses, impetigo more often involved information seeking, ordering pathology, and prescription of medication, but less often involved follow-up or referral. Impetigo accounts for 0.43 per 100 GP registrar consultations in Australia. Association with outer regional/remote areas may reflect climate and socioeconomic factors that predispose to impetigo. Associated pathology requests may reflect a lack of confidence in GP registrars' management of impetigo. Cultural differences may exist regarding health-seeking behavior relating to impetigo.