What is the typical population affected by impetigo?

Impetigo is a contagious skin infection that is most commonly seen in young children, particularly those between the ages of 2 and 6 years. This demographic is more susceptible to impetigo due to several factors. First, young children often have close contact with one another in daycare or school settings, which facilitates the spread of the bacteria that cause the infection. Their immature immune systems also make them more vulnerable to infections in general. The condition can manifest as red sores or blisters, which can burst and ooze, and then form a yellowish crust.

In contrast, the other populations mentioned are less commonly affected. Elderly adults tend to have more robust immune systems given their life experiences, although they may develop skin infections for other reasons, such as chronic health conditions or skin fragility. Teenagers and pregnant women are not the typical demographics for impetigo, as it is less frequently diagnosed in these age groups when compared to young children.