What type of infection is characterized by thick yellow crusts and is caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus?

Impetigo is an infection that is notably characterized by the presence of thick, yellow crusts. It is primarily caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus. This skin condition most commonly affects children and often begins as red sores or blisters that can rupture, ooze, and then develop into the distinctive crusts as they dry. The crusts are typically a mix of serum and infected material, giving them the characteristic yellow appearance.

In contrast, cellulitis is a deeper skin infection involving the dermis and subcutaneous fat that does not primarily present with yellow crusts but with redness, swelling, and tenderness in the affected area. Folliculitis refers to the inflammation of hair follicles, often presenting as small red or white bumps rather than thick crusts. An abscess is a localized accumulation of pus that may occur due to bacterial infections, but it does not typically manifest as a crusty surface like impetigo does.

Understanding these distinctions helps highlight why impetigo stands out as the correct choice in terms of its specific clinical presentation associated with certain bacterial infections.