Healing Stages of Impetigo

At the active stage, red spots, blisters, or shallow sores may ooze and spread to nearby skin. As fluid dries, a yellow-brown crust can form; this is the classic Crusting Skin appearance. Recovery is suggested when new lesions stop appearing, the crust becomes less moist, and the skin underneath closes. Itch, soreness, or temporary darker or lighter colour may outlast the infection. Scratching can reopen healing skin and move bacteria to another site.

Follow the prescribed course, whether your clinician chooses Topical Antibiotic Therapy or Antibiotics For Skin Infection. Wash gently with clean water and mild cleanser, dry by patting, and cover open areas as advised. Do not share towels, bedding, clothing, or personal grooming items. Wash hands often and clean items that touch the sores. Keep children away from close skin contact until a clinician confirms it is appropriate to return to school or activities.

Contact a clinician if new sores keep appearing, redness extends outward, pain or swelling worsens, or the area remains wet despite treatment. Seek prompt care for fever, unusual sleepiness, facial swelling, sores close to the eye, or a rapidly worsening infection. A review is also needed when the appearance is unclear or several people in the household have similar lesions.

Ask which stage the skin is in, how often to clean or cover it, and when the person can resume close contact. Ask how to manage itching without scratching, what colour change may remain, and when treatment should be changed or extended.