Impetigo cause and treatment

Impetigo is a surface bacterial infection. Scratches, insect bites, chafing, or an itchy rash can interrupt the skin barrier and give bacteria an entry point. The infection can pass through direct contact or contaminated fabrics. Crusting skin is a characteristic clue, but several skin problems can crust, so a clinician may need to examine the area.

The treatment choice depends on how many sores are present, where they are, and whether infection extends beyond the surface. A small localised area may be treated with a prescribed topical antibiotic. More extensive disease may need an oral antibiotic.

Wash the affected skin gently, dry it carefully, and use medicine exactly as prescribed. Do not apply another person’s cream or save antibiotics for a later rash. Keep nails short, discourage scratching, and cover sores with a clean dressing where feasible. Wash hands after contact and launder towels, clothes, and bedding. Read more about Topical Antibiotic Therapy and Antibiotics For Skin Infection for treatment-focused information.

Arrange medical review for suspected impetigo, particularly when lesions are multiplying, painful, or affecting the face. Seek prompt help for fever, rapidly expanding redness, swelling, significant tenderness, or a person who seems unwell. A clinician should reassess symptoms that worsen during treatment, fail to improve as expected, or recur repeatedly.

Ask whether the appearance fits impetigo, which treatment route is appropriate, how to clean and cover the sores, and whether an underlying rash such as Atopic Dermatitis needs separate care.