What Is Impetigo?

It can affect any age group and can enter through minor cuts, insect bites, scratched eczema, or apparently intact skin. Treatment limits ongoing spread and reduces the chance that the infection extends deeper.

Sores may begin as small red areas or blisters that break easily, ooze, and form characteristic crusts. They can itch and spread to nearby skin through scratching. A less common blistering pattern produces larger, fluid-filled blisters, often on the trunk or in skin folds.

Crusting skin can have several causes, so appearance alone does not confirm impetigo. A clinician may diagnose it by examination and may take a swab when the pattern is unusual, recurrent, widespread, or not responding as expected.

Arrange medical assessment because impetigo often needs prescription treatment. Depending on the extent and location, a clinician may select a topical antibiotic or an antibiotic taken by mouth. Use it exactly as directed and do not share leftover antibiotics.

Gently wash affected skin, avoid picking crusts, keep fingernails short, and wash hands after touching the area or applying medicine. Do not share towels, bedding, razors, clothing, or skincare products. Follow the clinician's advice about school, nursery, work, swimming, and contact sports while the infection remains contagious.

Seek prompt care for rapidly spreading redness, increasing warmth or swelling, significant pain, pus, fever, red streaks, facial swelling, or feeling unwell. Urgent assessment is also appropriate when infection is close to an eye or when a newborn develops blisters or sores.

Return to the clinician if new lesions continue to appear after treatment starts, the skin is not improving as expected, or the infection repeatedly returns. A deeper tender sore or darkening skin also needs reassessment.

Ask whether a swab is needed, which treatment fits the extent of infection, how to clean and cover the sores, and when close contact activities can resume. If eczema or another itchy condition led to scratching, discuss how to control that skin problem and protect the barrier.