Beginning signs of impetigo and what to do

Lesions often occur around the nose or mouth but may appear wherever skin is scratched or damaged. They can itch, enlarge, and form nearby spots. On deeper skin tones, surrounding redness may be subtle, so warmth, swelling, tenderness, moisture, and crusting may be easier to notice.

Impetigo is a contagious bacterial infection of the skin's surface. Bacteria can enter through an insect bite, cut, scratch, or skin affected by eczema. The infection can spread by touching lesions or sharing towels, bedding, clothing, toys, or grooming items.

Crust alone does not confirm impetigo: cold sores, infected eczema, fungal rashes, and other conditions can look similar. A clinician can assess the pattern and decide whether a swab is useful, particularly when infection returns or fails to improve.

Arrange clinical or pharmacy-led assessment according to local services, because treatment depends on how extensive and severe the infection is. A clinician may recommend a topical treatment for limited disease or an oral antibiotic when lesions are numerous, widespread, or otherwise unsuitable for local care.

Gently wash affected skin, pat it dry, keep fingernails short, and discourage scratching. Wash hands after skin care, use separate towels and bedding, launder contacted items, and avoid sharing personal products. Do not pick crusts or use someone else's antibiotic.

Obtain prompt assessment if lesions spread quickly, become painful or swollen, involve the eyes, produce large blisters, or occur with fever or marked unwellness. A baby, a person with reduced immunity, or someone with extensive eczema should be assessed early.

Return for review if treatment is not producing the expected improvement, symptoms recur, or urine becomes dark and swelling develops after the infection. Emergency care is appropriate for breathing difficulty, facial or throat swelling, confusion, or severe weakness.

Ask whether the sores fit impetigo, whether treatment should be topical or oral, how to clean the area, and what improvement should look like. Confirm when return to school, nursery, work, swimming, or close-contact activities is appropriate under local public-health guidance.