What skin condition is characterized by "honey-colored" crusts?

The skin condition characterized by "honey-colored" crusts is impetigo. This bacterial skin infection is typically caused by either Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. Impetigo often appears as red sores or blisters that can burst, ooze, and then form a crust that has a distinctive golden or honey-like appearance when it dries. This crusting effect is a key clinical feature of impetigo, making it easy to recognize among skin conditions.

In contrast, atopic dermatitis does not present with honey-colored crusts but rather with dry, itchy patches that can become red and inflamed. It is more chronic in nature and is associated with familial history of atopy.

Psoriasis is characterized by thick, silvery scales and red patches on the skin, which are quite different in appearance from the crusts seen in impetigo.

Ringworm, a fungal infection, results in ring-shaped, red, scaly patches often with central clearing, but it does not create the honey-colored crusts associated with impetigo.

Therefore, the hallmark description of "honey-colored" crusts directly indicates impetigo as the correct answer.