What should you know about impetigo english?

Impetigo often starts where skin has been scratched, irritated, or broken. It may produce small blisters, red sores, moist patches, or yellow-brown crusts, commonly around the nose and mouth but also on other exposed skin. A crusted patch is not enough to identify the cause; atopic dermatitis and other skin problems can resemble it.

Wash hands before and after touching the rash. Clean gently, pat dry, cover sores where possible, and avoid picking. Use separate towels and washcloths, wash clothing and bedding that touch the area, and avoid close skin contact while lesions are active. A clinician may recommend [Topical Antibiotic Therapy](/treatments/medical-dermatology/topical-antibiotic-therapy/) for limited disease or [Antibiotics For Skin Infection](/treatments/medical-dermatology/antibiotic-therapy-for-skin-infection/) when broader treatment is needed. Follow the directions even if the skin looks better.

Get medical advice if the rash is spreading, painful, recurrent, or not improving. Seek urgent care for fever, rapidly increasing redness or swelling, severe pain, feeling very unwell, or lesions close to the eye. Do not share prescribed medicine with another person.

Ask what the rash is, which treatment is needed, how to keep other household members safe, and when normal activities can resume.