What should you know about impetigo and shingles?

Impetigo often begins as small sores or blisters that break and leave a honey-coloured crust. It commonly affects the face, around the nose and mouth, or areas where skin has been scratched. The infection can spread through close contact or shared towels, clothing and other personal items. Existing irritation, including eczema such as atopic dermatitis, can make it easier for bacteria to enter damaged skin.

Shingles usually follows a strip or patch on one side of the body or face rather than crossing the midline. Burning, tingling or marked sensitivity may come before clusters of fluid-filled blisters. Because shingles can affect the eye or ear, the location matters. A clinician may distinguish the conditions by examining the rash and asking when pain, itching or blisters began.

Keep affected skin gently clean and covered with a light dressing if it is oozing. Wash your hands after touching the area, avoid picking at crusts or blisters, and do not share towels, razors, clothing or bedding. Keep fingernails short to reduce scratching. A clinician may recommend a topical antibiotic for a small area of impetigo or antibiotic therapy when infection is more extensive; antibiotics do not treat shingles. Shingles needs medical assessment because antiviral treatment may be considered, especially when symptoms have recently started.

Arrange prompt medical advice for a rapidly spreading rash, increasing warmth or swelling, pus, fever, or significant pain. Seek urgent assessment for blisters or pain near the eye, changes in vision, facial weakness, severe headache, confusion, or a rash involving the ear. Contact a clinician sooner if you are pregnant, have a weakened immune system, or the affected person is a very young infant. Until the diagnosis is clear, avoid close skin-to-skin contact with newborns and people who may not have had chickenpox or its vaccine.

Ask whether the rash pattern fits impetigo, shingles or another condition; whether you need a skin swab or other test; how long to keep the area covered; when you can return to school, work or close contact; and which warning signs should prompt urgent review.