What should you know about complications of impetigo?

Impetigo causes contagious sores that may ooze and form yellow-brown crusts. Scratching can move bacteria to nearby skin, creating more sores or a deeper skin infection. Children and adults with Atopic Dermatitis may have more irritated or broken skin, which can make spread easier.

Rare complications can involve inflammation of the kidneys after certain bacterial infections. Seek medical advice for dark or reduced urine, swelling around the eyes or ankles, or marked tiredness after an impetigo episode. These signs need assessment and do not confirm a kidney problem by themselves.

Arrange a medical assessment when sores are spreading, painful, recurrent, or not settling. Treatment may be Topical Antibiotic Therapy for a small area or Antibiotics For Skin Infection when infection is more extensive; the choice depends on the examination. Use medicine exactly as prescribed and avoid sharing towels, clothing, bedding, or personal items.

Wash hands after touching the area, keep nails short, and gently clean away loosened crusts as advised. Cover sores when practical and keep children away from close-contact activities until a clinician says it is appropriate to return.

Get urgent medical advice if redness, warmth, swelling, or pain rapidly expands, if the person seems very unwell, or if sores involve the eyes. Seek prompt review for reduced urine, new swelling, severe headache, or unusual drowsiness after the infection. Crusting Skin that continues to spread despite treatment also needs reassessment.

Ask whether the sores are limited to the surface, which treatment is suitable, how long the person may remain contagious, and how to prevent recurrence. Ask what symptoms could suggest a deeper infection or kidney complication.