What should you know about impetigo and Cicalfate?

Impetigo is a contagious bacterial infection affecting the surface of the skin. It can cause small blisters, open sores, and yellow-brown crusting. A repair cream may reduce friction or dryness around an irritated area, yet it cannot be assumed to clear the infection. Thick product over a wet, spreading, or crusted sore can also make it harder to see changes. Read about [Crusting Skin](/symptoms/skin-crusting/) if the main concern is a crust, but seek an examination when infection is possible.

Pause self-treatment and ask a clinician or pharmacist to assess new spreading sores, pus, tenderness, or clustered crusts. Keep the area clean with gentle handling, pat it dry, wash hands before and after touching it, and avoid sharing towels or cosmetics. If Cicalfate has already been recommended for surrounding irritation, ask whether it should be used beside or after the infection treatment. Prescribed [Topical Antibiotic Therapy](/treatments/medical-dermatology/topical-antibiotic-therapy/) or [Antibiotics For Skin Infection](/treatments/medical-dermatology/antibiotic-therapy-for-skin-infection/) should be used only as directed.

Get prompt medical advice when the sore is spreading, painful, hot, or close to the eye. Seek urgent help for marked facial swelling, trouble opening the eye, fever with worsening skin changes, or feeling faint or very unwell. These features need a clinician's assessment rather than a change to a cosmetic or barrier cream.

Does this look infected or mainly irritated? Should I stop, continue, or place Cicalfate around the affected skin? What cleansing method and prescribed medicine are suitable, and how will we know the infection is settling?