My son was recently diagnosed with Impetigo but my mother who is now 60 has similar symptoms... Help?

My mothers doctors states that she has pustular psoriasis but I really believe that she also has Impetigo just like my son. I've read that Impetigo when diagnosed to an elder person could be life threatening. What should I do? My son was prescribed with antibotic but my mom on the other hand was only prescribed a cream..... Is there a difference between these two symtoms and if so can they easily be mis diagnosed?

My son was seen by my mother's dr. but, visit lasted only 5 min. and this to me is not enough time.... No test was done. However, my son had culture done in his mouth which came out positive for Impetigo.

well, some disorders (esp. skin disorders) have same characteristic.( different a little bit) maybe see the doctor and and tell about your son.

Impetigo is a common skin infection. It is most common in children, particularly children in unhealthy living conditions. In adults, it may follow other skin disorders. Impetigo may follow a recent upper respiratory infection such as a cold or other viral infection. It is similar to cellulitis, but is more superficial, involving infection of the top layers of the skin with streptococcus (strep), staphylococcus (staph), or both.

The skin normally has many types of bacteria on it, but intact skin is an effective barrier that keeps bacteria from entering and growing within the body. When there is a break in the skin, bacteria can enter the body and grow there, causing inflammation and infection. Breaks in the skin may occur with insect bites, animal bites, or human bites, or other injury or trauma to the skin. Impetigo may occur on skin where there is no visible break.

Impetigo begins as an itchy, red sore that blisters, oozes and finally becomes covered with a tightly adherent crust. It tends to grow and spread. Impetigo is contagious. The infection is carried in the fluid that oozes from the blisters. Rarely, impetigo may form deeper skin ulcers.

Does the doctor who diagnosed your mother know about your son? That may be a factor he or she did not take into consideration. It may be wise to seek a second medical opinion if you are not happy with the first diagnosis, just to be on the safe side.

Mew, impetigo is highly contagious and usually contracted at school, so any kids can get it, irrespective of their living conditions. If they have a break in their skin and come in contact, the chances are they will become infected.

It is likely the son has infected the grandmother.

One possibility might be to take them to the same doctor at the same time...preferably the one who diagnosed your son...and try to get him/her to figure out what's going on with each of them.