Nonbullous impetigo is characterized by

• A. Thin-walled vesicles that rupture into a honey-colored crust
• B. Bullous, rupturing blisters
• C. Pustules in armpits
• D. Umbilicated papules on the trunk

Answer: (A)

Nonbullous impetigo shows fragile, thin-walled vesicles that rupture easily and leave the classic honey-colored crust. This crust forms as dried serum mixes with bacteria and debris, giving that golden, adherent look. The absence of large blisters distinguishes it from the bullous form, which features bigger, rupturing bullae rather than small crusted lesions. Also, the usual presentation is small vesicles or pustules on the face or limbs in children that rapidly crust, rather than symptoms like pustules specifically in the armpits or umbilicated trunk papules. In short, the telltale sign is vesicles that rupture to produce the honey-colored crust characteristic of nonbullous impetigo.