Impetigo and pregnancy: what to know

Impetigo is a contagious bacterial infection of the skin, often seen as irritated sores with fluid, crusting, or tenderness. Pregnancy does not make every skin change impetigo, and pregnancy-related itching or eczema can resemble an infection. The key questions are where the sores are, how quickly they are changing, and whether you have fever or feel unwell.

Contact your maternity team, family doctor, or dermatologist before starting a medicine, including an over-the-counter cream. Wash the area gently, keep fingernails short, cover sores as advised, and wash hands after contact. Use separate towels and clothing, and avoid close skin contact with newborns or other vulnerable people until a clinician explains when the infection is no longer readily spread. Do not stop prescribed treatment without advice.

Arrange prompt assessment if the rash is spreading, painful, close to the eye, or accompanied by fever, chills, or increasing swelling. Seek urgent help for eye pain or vision changes, severe illness, or rapidly worsening redness. Tell the clinician how far along the pregnancy is, your allergies, and any medicines or supplements you use.

Ask which treatment is suitable in pregnancy, whether a topical option is enough, how to prevent household spread, and whether the baby needs any additional precautions after birth. Clarify how to use the medicine and what change should trigger a review.