Why is impetigo more common in children than adults?

Answer by  bubbyboy (9929)

Impetigo is more common in children because children don't, as a rule, keep their hands clean enough to touch their faces. When the scabs are picked off and there is a clear fluid, it spreads the disorder. Also, the child's immune system is immature and when he comes in contact with impetigo from another child, he readily gets it.

Answer by  pambam (892)

There is nothing medical that suggests that impetigo is more common in children than adults. It is more practice and lifestyle that makes children more susceptible. Impetigo is highly contagious. Adults don't touch each other much whereas children do and that causes the spread of impetigo.

Answer by  MTGrandma (405)

A day care environment is ideal for the passage of this skin condition. It is treatable with antibiotics, but, children like to play and interact with each other which means the impetigo is easily passed from one child to another. In order to keep impetigo away children must be taught that washing hands as well as their toys is important.