What should you know about impetigo how it spreads?

A person can move bacteria from one lesion to another by scratching, rubbing or wiping the face. Drainage from an open sore can also contaminate hands, towels, clothing, bedding and objects that touch the skin. Infection is more likely to take hold where skin is cracked, grazed, irritated or affected by an itchy condition such as atopic dermatitis.

New sores near an original lesion may reflect transfer across the skin, while lesions in another household member may reflect contact with contaminated hands or belongings. Crusting skin should be handled gently, because picking can create more breaks and prolong irritation.

Wash hands after touching the area, applying medicine or changing a dressing. Keep nails short, avoid scratching, and cover sores with a clean dressing when feasible. Give the affected person separate towels, face cloths, razors, clothing and bedding, and wash these items regularly. Clean shared surfaces that are frequently touched. Contact a healthcare professional for advice about treatment; do not use another person’s antibiotic.

Seek prompt care if lesions multiply quickly, redness extends, pain or swelling increases, fever appears, or the rash involves the eyelids or eye area. Urgent help is needed for severe facial swelling, confusion, breathing difficulty or a rapidly deteriorating condition. Recurrent or extensive infection also needs clinical review.

Ask how to protect other household members, how to clean and cover the sores, what changes would suggest treatment is not working, and whether an underlying itchy rash needs separate care.