Can atopic dermatitis cause impetigo?

Atopic dermatitis does not itself turn into impetigo. Rather, the irritated skin barrier can let bacteria infect an eczema patch. Impetigo may produce moist sores, blisters, or yellow-brown crusts, and it can spread to nearby skin through scratching or touching. A flare that becomes more painful, warm, swollen, or weepy may be infected, although not every oozing eczema patch is impetigo.

Have suspected impetigo assessed so the clinician can decide whether cleansing, a topical medicine, or another treatment is appropriate. Gently clean and dry the area, wash hands after applying any treatment, keep nails short, and avoid sharing towels, face cloths, clothing, or bedding. Follow the eczema plan as advised, but do not use antibiotics left over from an earlier illness.

Arrange prompt care for rapidly spreading crusts, increasing warmth or swelling, pus, fever, or a child who seems unwell. Seek urgent help if redness is spreading quickly, pain is severe, or the infection is near the eye. People with weakened immunity should contact a clinician early when eczema becomes suddenly weepy or crusted.

Ask whether the changes are impetigo or an eczema flare, how to treat both problems together, when the infection stops being contagious, and which household items need washing.