Antibiotics for impetigo

A clinician may recommend an antiseptic approach in some limited cases. Oral treatment is more likely to be considered when lesions are widespread, blistering, recurrent, or accompanied by signs that infection is spreading.

Impetigo is a contagious bacterial skin infection. It often causes sores or blisters that break and leave golden-brown crusts, commonly around the nose and mouth but potentially elsewhere. Scratching can transfer bacteria to nearby skin.

Eczema, cold sores, fungal infections, and other rashes can resemble impetigo. Examination helps avoid unnecessary antibiotics, and a swab may be considered if treatment has not worked or episodes keep returning.

Use the prescribed medicine for the full instructed period and only on the areas specified. Gently wash affected skin, soften crusts if advised, pat dry with a clean towel, and wash hands before and after applying treatment.

Avoid scratching and keep fingernails short. Do not share towels, bedding, razors, or clothing, and wash items that contact the sores. Ask the treating clinician when school, nursery, work, swimming, or close-contact activities can safely resume.

Arrange prompt review if redness rapidly expands, the area becomes hot or increasingly painful, swelling develops, fever occurs, or the person seems generally unwell. Seek urgent help for facial swelling, breathing difficulty, confusion, marked drowsiness, or a rapidly worsening rash.

Ask whether the appearance is typical of impetigo, which cleaning method is suitable, how to apply treatment, and what improvement to expect. Mention recurrent episodes, eczema, immune problems, medicine allergies, or infection among household members.