Impetigo came back after antibiotics

Impetigo can reappear if bacteria remain on irritated skin, if a new exposure occurs, or if another person in the household has sores without obvious symptoms. Scratching, eczema or nasal irritation can create places for infection to start again. A recurrence can also look like impetigo while actually being cellulitis, an allergic reaction or another skin condition. A clinician may inspect active lesions and decide whether testing or a different treatment is needed.

Take or apply the prescribed treatment exactly as directed and do not use leftover antibiotics. Gently wash affected areas, pat them dry, keep nails short, and cover sores with a clean dressing when feasible. Wash hands often and launder towels, bedding and clothing that touch the lesions. Do not share personal items. Check close household contacts for crusted or oozing sores and mention them to the clinician rather than treating them without advice.

Book prompt medical advice when lesions return, spread, become more painful, or fail to settle. Seek urgent care for rapidly expanding redness, warmth or swelling, severe pain, fever with marked illness, facial or eye involvement, or difficulty breathing or swallowing.

Ask whether the diagnosis is certain, whether anyone else needs checking, how to clean and cover the area, and what to do if a new sore appears during treatment.