What should you know about impetigo infection period?

Impetigo is a contagious bacterial infection affecting the outer skin. It commonly begins where skin has been scratched, irritated, or already inflamed. Small blisters or spots may break and form a yellow-brown crust. The infection can pass through direct contact with fluid from a sore and through towels, clothing, bedding, or other items that touch affected skin. People with atopic dermatitis may develop impetigo in areas where the skin barrier is already disrupted; see Atopic Dermatitis for background.

Contagiousness generally falls after effective treatment has started and sores are no longer spreading or draining, but the exact advice depends on the extent and location of the infection. Crusting does not mean the skin is ready to be handled freely; guidance on Crusting Skin may help you recognise this feature.

Wash your hands after touching the area, keep fingernails short, and avoid scratching. Gently clean the skin as advised, pat it dry, and cover sores with a clean dressing when practical. Do not share towels, razors, face cloths, clothing, or bedding; wash used fabrics separately when possible and clean frequently touched surfaces. A clinician may recommend Antibiotics For Skin Infection or Topical Antibiotic Therapy depending on the number, size, and position of sores. Use treatment exactly as directed and complete the prescribed course.

Arrange medical assessment if sores are spreading, recurring, painful, near the eyes, or not improving with the advised treatment. Seek prompt care for fever, marked swelling, rapidly increasing redness, severe tenderness, pus beyond the original sores, or a child who seems unusually unwell. These signs can indicate a more extensive infection and should not be judged by contagiousness alone.

Ask how long your child or you should avoid close contact, whether sores should remain covered, which cleanser is suitable, and whether household members need assessment. Also ask when school, nursery, work, swimming, or sports can safely resume based on the lesions and treatment.