What should you know about deep impetigo?

Impetigo can begin where skin is scratched, broken, or already inflamed. A deeper form may cause tender ulcers, thicker crusting, drainage, or a sore that extends beyond a superficial patch. [Crusting Skin](/symptoms/skin-crusting/) can have many causes, so appearance alone cannot confirm the diagnosis. Scratching and close skin contact can spread infection to other areas or people; a background of [Atopic Dermatitis](/conditions/atopic-dermatitis/) can make the skin barrier easier to breach.

Arrange a medical assessment, particularly when sores are painful, numerous, spreading, or not improving. Treatment may involve [Topical Antibiotic Therapy](/treatments/medical-dermatology/topical-antibiotic-therapy/) for limited disease or [Antibiotics For Skin Infection](/treatments/medical-dermatology/antibiotic-therapy-for-skin-infection/) when infection is deeper or more extensive. Wash hands after touching the area, keep lesions covered with clean dressings, avoid sharing towels, and wash clothing and bedding regularly. Do not pick crusts or use leftover antibiotics.

Seek same-day medical advice if redness is rapidly expanding, pain is severe, fever develops, the face or eye is involved, or the person seems unusually unwell. Emergency help is appropriate for confusion, faintness, breathing difficulty, or swelling that threatens the eye or airway. Prompt care matters because a deeper infection can damage surrounding tissue and may require a different treatment plan.

Ask whether the sores are impetigo or another infection, whether a swab is useful, how to apply medicine to crusted skin, and when school, work, sport, or close contact can safely resume. Mention allergies and recent antibiotic use.