What does impetigo look like?

The spots may begin as itchy bumps or fluid-filled blisters. After they open, a sticky discharge dries into a crust. The area can enlarge or new spots can appear when fingers, towels, clothing, or bedding transfer the infection. It commonly affects the face around the nose and mouth, but exposed skin elsewhere can be involved. Scratching can create raw skin and spread bacteria to nearby breaks.

A crusted rash can have other causes, including eczema with infection. Atopic dermatitis can weaken the skin barrier and make infection easier to develop, but a visual description alone cannot confirm the diagnosis.

Gently wash the affected skin with water and mild cleanser, then pat it dry. Do not pick the crusts or share towels, washcloths, clothing, razors, or bedding. Cover sores loosely when practical, wash hands after touching the area, and keep fingernails short. A clinician may recommend a prescribed topical treatment for a small, limited area or medicine by mouth when infection is more extensive; use the treatment exactly as directed.

Arrange prompt medical advice if sores are spreading, painful, warm, swollen, or producing increasing discharge, or if a child has several affected areas. Seek urgent care for fever, marked weakness, rapidly worsening redness, swelling near the eye, or trouble drinking. Assessment is also sensible when the rash returns or fails to improve with prescribed care.

Could this be impetigo or infected eczema? Do I need a skin swab? Which areas should I cover, and when can school, work, sport, or close contact safely resume?