Galveston County Daily News (Internet / Print) 02/16/06 http://news.galvestondailynews.com/story.lasso?ewcd=7c36816e4ff76910 Weekly Column by Dr. Sally Robinson and Dr. Keith Bly: Impetigo is a common and highly contagious skin infection caused by two types of bacteria, streptococcus or staphylococcus. The bacteria enter the skin through scratches, small cuts or insect bites. Anyone can get impetigo, but it normally occurs in young children. It may affect the skin anywhere on the body, but the most common places that it occurs are around the nose and mouth, hands and forearms. If you think your child may have impetigo, call your child’s doctor, especially if he or she has been exposed to a family member or classmate with the infection.