Antibiotics used for impetigo

A clinician may prescribe an antibiotic ointment for a small, localised area. An oral antibiotic may be considered when there are many patches, larger areas, deeper infection, or illness alongside the rash. The exact medicine depends on the examination, allergies, previous treatment, and local patterns of bacterial resistance.

Impetigo is a contagious bacterial skin infection that often produces fragile blisters or honey-coloured crusts. Antibiotics act against the bacteria rather than simply drying the crust. A clinician may take a swab if the appearance is unusual, infection returns, or initial treatment does not help.

Other itchy skin problems can break the skin barrier and make impetigo easier to develop. Treating an underlying problem, such as eczema, can help reduce repeated scratching and reinfection.

Use the prescribed medicine for the full course and follow the application instructions. Wash your hands before and after touching the area, gently clean affected skin, and avoid picking crusts. Do not share towels, razors, pillowcases, or skin products. Wash frequently handled fabrics and keep fingernails short to limit spread through scratching.

Do not use leftover antibiotics or another person's prescription. Contact the prescriber if doses are missed, the medicine causes a troublesome reaction, or the infection is not improving as expected.

Arrange prompt assessment if redness or swelling is spreading, pain is increasing, pus is collecting, fever develops, or the person feels unwell. Seek urgent care for swelling around the eye, marked facial swelling, breathing difficulty, faintness, or a rapidly worsening rash. Babies, people with weakened immunity, and anyone with extensive affected skin should be assessed without delay.

Ask whether a topical or oral medicine fits the extent of infection, how to apply or take it, what side effects require attention, and when improvement should become noticeable. If impetigo keeps returning, ask whether a bacterial swab, household hygiene measures, or treatment of an underlying itchy rash would be useful.