What is the recommended treatment for a 9-month-old with bullous impetigo?

For a 9-month-old with bullous impetigo, the recommended treatment would be oral antibiotics, as this condition can present with widespread lesions that may require systemic therapy. Oral cephalexin is effective against the bacteria typically responsible for bullous impetigo, primarily Staphylococcus aureus, including methicillin-sensitive strains.

Topical treatments may not be sufficient for bullous impetigo, especially in more extensive or bullous forms that can occur in infants. While mupirocin and bacitracin/neomycin/polymyxin B are useful for localized infections or superficial skin conditions, they may not provide adequate coverage or penetration for more serious infections like bullous impetigo. Moreover, oral ciprofloxacin is generally not recommended in pediatric patients for treating this condition, as it may not be the first line of treatment and has safety concerns regarding use in young children. Thus, oral cephalexin is the most appropriate choice for this age group and infection type.