What should you know if impetigo keeps coming back?

A new episode can reflect re-exposure from close contact, shared towels, scratched skin, or an active sore elsewhere on the body. Eczema, insect bites, shaving irritation, and other rashes can also create breaks that bacteria enter. Repeated crusting does not by itself prove that every episode is impetigo. [Atopic Dermatitis](/conditions/atopic-dermatitis/) can be relevant when dry, itchy skin is part of the pattern, while [Crusting Skin](/symptoms/skin-crusting/) describes the visible symptom rather than its cause.

Book a clinical review and describe when each episode starts, where it appears, and whether anyone close to you has similar sores. Complete prescribed treatment exactly as instructed; do not save or restart antibiotics without advice. Wash hands after touching lesions, keep nails short, avoid scratching, and launder towels, bedding, and clothing used during an active episode. Do not share razors, face cloths, or cosmetics. Ask whether [Topical Antibiotic Therapy](/treatments/medical-dermatology/topical-antibiotic-therapy/) or [Antibiotics For Skin Infection](/treatments/medical-dermatology/antibiotic-therapy-for-skin-infection/) is appropriate for the current episode.

Seek prompt advice if sores return soon after treatment, spread quickly, become increasingly painful, or affect the eye area. Urgent care is needed for fever with rapidly worsening redness, facial swelling, severe tenderness, or unusual drowsiness. A clinician may need to reconsider the diagnosis or check whether another skin condition is allowing repeated infection.

Could another rash be causing the repeated breaks in my skin? Does anyone in my household need assessment? How should I handle towels, bedding, shaving tools, and treatment if a new sore appears?