Does antibiotics for skin infection treat impetigo?

Impetigo is a contagious bacterial infection of the surface layers of skin. It may begin as small blisters or red sores and develop a golden-brown crust, often around the nose and mouth or on exposed areas. A limited area may be treated with a prescribed medicine applied to the skin, while wider, multiple or difficult-to-reach areas may need an oral antibiotic. The choice also depends on the examination and local prescribing considerations. Treatment helps the sores heal and reduces ongoing spread, but crusts and irritation can take time to clear.

Arrange medical advice for a suspected case, particularly if a child is affected or sores are multiplying. Wash hands after touching the area, keep sores covered with clean dressings when practical, and avoid sharing towels, bedding, clothing, razors or cosmetics. Wash used fabrics regularly and keep fingernails short to reduce scratching. Do not peel crusts aggressively or use another person’s medicine. If prescribed an antibiotic, apply or take it exactly as directed and ask when close-contact activities can safely resume.

Seek prompt medical help if sores spread quickly, involve the eye, become very painful, or are accompanied by fever or marked swelling. Urgent review is needed for facial swelling, severe illness, dehydration, or rapidly worsening redness. Arrange reassessment when treatment does not appear to help, new sores continue to form, or several people in the household develop similar lesions.

Ask whether the sores are consistent with impetigo, whether topical or oral treatment is needed, and how long the infection may remain contagious. Ask how to clean and cover the lesions, what household precautions are useful, and which changes mean the diagnosis or treatment should be reviewed.