Polylactic Acid Membranes, a Novel Adjunct Treatment for Bullous Impetigo.

Abstract

Impetigo is a highly contagious bacterial skin infection characterized by blistering and erosions that can lead to significant discomfort and complications. The standard treatment includes topical or systemic antibiotics, but severe cases may require advanced wound management strategies. Polylactic acid (PLA)-based membranes have demonstrated effectiveness in enhancing wound healing, modulating inflammation, and reducing pain. Clinical case: We present three cases of bullous impetigo with extensive erosions, managed using PLA membranes as an adjunct to systemic antibiotics. A significant improvement was shown after 7 days of treatment of a single application, and complete resolution was achieved after 30 days. Notably, pain was resolved within 48-72 h, highlighting the analgesic and protective properties of the membrane. Conclusions: These findings suggest that PLA membranes provide a viable adjunct to antibiotic therapy in bullous impetigo, accelerating healing, reducing discomfort, and improving long-term skin outcomes. Given the increasing concern over antibiotic resistance and the limitations of standard wound care, bioresorbable synthetic membranes represent a promising alternative in dermatological wound management.