Is impetigo contagious?

Impetigo is contagious through contact with infected skin, fluid, or contaminated personal items. It can pass between children and adults when a sore is touched or when towels, clothing, bedding, or sports equipment are shared.

The infection often starts where skin has been scratched, irritated, or broken. Blisters or sores can leak, and touching the fluid can transfer bacteria to another person or to a new area of the same person’s skin. Crusting skin may be part of the appearance; see [Crusting Skin](/symptoms/skin-crusting/). An itchy rash such as [Atopic Dermatitis](/conditions/atopic-dermatitis/) can create breaks that make transfer easier, but it is a separate condition.

Avoid picking or touching the sores, wash hands after applying any treatment, and keep affected skin clean and covered with a loose dressing when practical. Do not share towels, face cloths, razors, clothing, or bedding. Wash these items regularly and clean frequently touched surfaces. A clinician may recommend [Topical Antibiotic Therapy](/treatments/medical-dermatology/topical-antibiotic-therapy/) or [Antibiotics For Skin Infection](/treatments/medical-dermatology/antibiotic-therapy-for-skin-infection/) depending on the number, location, and extent of sores.

Arrange medical assessment when you notice spreading sores, new blisters, persistent drainage, or honey-coloured crusts. Seek prompt care if redness, warmth, swelling, or pain extends around a sore, if fever develops, or if the eyes or a large area of skin is involved. Until assessed, avoid close skin contact and tell the clinician if someone else at home has similar lesions.

Ask whether the appearance fits impetigo, which treatment is suitable for the affected area, how to cover the sores, and when close-contact activities can safely resume. Ask what household items need cleaning and what to do if another person develops a sore.