What should you know about impetigo after a cold?

A cold may bring a runny nose, frequent wiping and chapped skin. Rubbing can create tiny breaks in the skin, allowing bacteria to cause a new infection. Impetigo may then appear as red patches, blisters, oozing sores or yellow-brown crusts around the nostrils, upper lip or cheeks. The cold itself is viral, while impetigo is a separate bacterial skin infection. A crusted rash after a cold is not automatically impetigo, so examination matters.

Use soft tissues, dab rather than rub, and wash hands after wiping your nose. Clean suspected sores gently with lukewarm water and pat dry. Avoid picking crusts, sharing towels or touching the area before handling food. Keep lip balms, face cloths, pillowcases and razors personal. A clinician may prescribe topical antibiotic therapy for limited sores or antibiotic therapy for a skin infection when more treatment is needed. Follow the directions and return for advice if new lesions appear.

Arrange prompt medical review when redness is expanding, the skin is becoming more painful or swollen, or you develop fever after the cold. Seek urgent help for rapidly worsening facial swelling, eye involvement, severe weakness, trouble swallowing or breathing. Contact the clinician again if the rash is not improving as expected or keeps recurring.

Does the rash fit impetigo or irritation from the cold? How should I clean the skin around my nose? Which treatment is appropriate? How can I keep nasal tissues, towels and bedding from spreading infection?