Can bacitracin treat impetigo?

Impetigo is a contagious bacterial skin infection. Bacitracin is a topical antibiotic, but it may not reliably cover the bacteria involved and it can cause allergic contact dermatitis. The appropriate medicine depends on how widespread or severe the infection is, local prescribing guidance and individual factors.

Impetigo commonly presents with fragile blisters or sores that rupture and leave golden or honey-coloured crusts, often around the nose, mouth or exposed skin. Other rashes can crust as well, including infected eczema, cold sores and contact dermatitis. A clinical assessment prevents an irritating or ineffective ointment from masking progression.

A small, localised infection may be managed differently from numerous lesions, deeper sores or infection accompanied by illness. A clinician can decide between topical and oral antibiotic therapy and may take a swab when the diagnosis is unclear, the infection is recurring or treatment has not worked as expected.

Gently wash affected skin, pat it dry and follow the prescribed medicine instructions for the full course. Do not scratch, squeeze or pick crusts. Wash hands after touching the area, keep fingernails short, and do not share towels, razors, bedding or skin products. Cover weeping lesions with a clean, non-stick dressing when practical.

Do not use leftover antibiotics or combine several ointments. If bacitracin causes new itching, spreading redness, swelling or blisters, stop it and contact the prescriber because these changes can indicate contact allergy rather than bacterial worsening.

Seek prompt care when lesions are spreading quickly, near the eyes, very painful, deeply ulcerated or accompanied by fever, lethargy, increasing warmth, swelling or red streaks. Babies, people with weakened immunity and anyone who appears significantly unwell need early assessment. Call emergency services for breathing difficulty, facial or throat swelling, collapse or a widespread blistering reaction after an antibiotic.

Ask what features support impetigo, whether treatment should be topical or oral, how to dress the lesions and when they should be reviewed. Also ask what household hygiene measures apply and when return to nursery, school or close-contact activities is appropriate under local public-health guidance.