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Which statement about impetigo is incorrect?
It is characterized by dry, red lesions
It commonly develops on hair follicles
It generally shows a rare preference for pus
It is always contagious
The correct answer is: It commonly develops on hair follicles
The statement regarding the common development of impetigo on hair follicles is not accurate. Impetigo is primarily caused by bacteria, often either Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes, and it typically manifests as honey-colored crusted lesions that appear on the skin, particularly around the nose and mouth, and can occur in other areas that experience abrasions or breaks in the skin. While it can sometimes accompany hair follicles, it is not characterized as developing from them. Instead, impetigo emerges in areas where the skin is broken or compromised, allowing bacteria to invade and cause infection. Understanding the typical presentation and common locations for impetigo helps clarify this detail and underscores its nature as a cutaneous infection, rather than one that originates specifically from hair follicles. The other statements provide context for impetigo's characteristics: it is indeed contagious, features wet or crusted lesions, and is notably associated with pus and drainage as part of its typical presentation.