What should you know about impetigo foot?

The infection may start around a graze, crack, bite, or area rubbed by footwear. It can form small fluid-filled blisters or shallow sores that leak and then develop a yellow-brown crust. Itching encourages scratching and can move bacteria across the foot, ankle, or other body areas. Athlete's foot, contact irritation, eczema, and other conditions may also cause scaling or broken skin, so an examination is useful when the appearance is unclear. Atopic Dermatitis can create dry, inflamed skin that is easier to infect. More information about crusting is available under Crusting Skin.

Wash the affected skin gently, dry between the toes, and cover open sores with a clean dressing. Wear clean socks, allow shoes to dry fully, and avoid sharing footwear, towels, or nail tools. Keep hands away from the face after touching the area and wash them thoroughly. Do not peel crusts, scratch, or apply an unprescribed steroid or antibiotic. Depending on the spread, a clinician may advise Topical Antibiotic Therapy or oral Antibiotics For Skin Infection. Follow the full prescribed plan even if the skin starts looking calmer.

Arrange prompt assessment if the sore is enlarging, the foot becomes hot or swollen, pain is increasing, or redness is moving toward the ankle. Seek urgent care for fever, severe pain, rapidly advancing redness, significant swelling, or feeling very unwell. Diabetes, poor circulation, reduced sensation, or a weakened immune system are reasons to seek advice early for any infected foot wound.

Ask whether the foot needs testing, whether shoes or socks should be treated or replaced, which dressing is suitable, and what symptoms would mean the infection has reached deeper tissue.