What should you know about an impetiginous rash?

Impetigo is a contagious bacterial infection that can affect broken or irritated skin. It may cause small blisters or sores that leak fluid and form yellowish or honey-coloured crusts, often around the nose and mouth or on exposed limbs. A crust alone does not confirm impetigo.

Atopic Dermatitis and Contact Dermatitis can become secondarily infected. Heat Rash, Intertrigo, Psoriasis, Ringworm, and Scabies may also cause irritated areas that break down or crust. A clinician may need to examine the distribution, surrounding skin, and whether close contacts have similar symptoms.

Arrange a clinical assessment, especially if the rash is spreading, painful, or recurring. Gently clean the area, pat it dry, avoid picking crusts, and wash hands after touching it. Do not share towels, clothing, bedding, cosmetics, or razors; launder items that contact the rash. Keep children away from close-contact activities until a clinician advises that it is reasonable to return.

Seek prompt care for rapidly spreading sores, increasing pain, swelling around the eye, fever, marked tiredness, or a child who seems unwell. Urgent assessment is needed if there are extensive blisters, skin peeling, mouth or eye involvement, or signs of dehydration. Treatment may require a prescribed topical or oral medicine depending on the extent and diagnosis.

Ask whether the rash is impetigo or an infected eczema flare, whether testing is needed, and how long to avoid close contact. Ask which cleansing routine and prescribed treatment to use, and whether household members need advice if they develop sores.