Which highly contagious bacterial infection produces honey-yellow, crusted lesions typically found on the face?

Impetigo is the highly contagious bacterial infection that is characterized by the presence of honey-yellow, crusted lesions, particularly on the face. This skin condition is most commonly seen in young children, but anyone can be affected. It typically appears as red sores that can rupture, ooze, and then form a warm, honey-colored crust.

The bacteria responsible for impetigo, usually Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes, thrive in warm and humid conditions, which contributes to its high transmission rate. The appearance of the lesions is distinctive, making impetigo recognizable and differentiable from other skin conditions. Effective treatment often involves topical or oral antibiotics to eliminate the bacterial infection and prevent further spread.

In contrast, other conditions listed do not share this specific characteristic of crusted lesions typical of impetigo. Herpes simplex is a viral infection that may cause blisters but not the honey-yellow crusted appearance. Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that results in dry, itchy skin, not crusted lesions. Alopecia refers to hair loss and does not present with any type of skin lesion. Thus, impetigo is the only option that matches both the description and characteristics mentioned in the question.