Impetigo not healing with antibiotics

The medicine may be difficult to apply, doses may have been missed, or the infection may be more extensive than first thought. Scratching, eczema, moisture and repeated contact with contaminated towels can keep damaging the skin. Some rashes resemble impetigo but need different care. Increasing pain, warmth, swelling or tenderness can suggest infection deeper in the skin. A clinician can inspect the area, review the medicine and consider whether testing or another approach is needed.

Use the prescribed treatment as directed unless the prescriber changes it. Do not squeeze sores, scrub crusts forcefully, or apply unprescribed antibiotics. Clean gently with water or the advised cleanser, pat dry, and cover lesions with a clean dressing if possible. Wash hands after care, keep nails short, and avoid sharing towels, clothing, bedding or razors. Photographing changes for your own timeline may help explain progression, but it cannot replace an examination.

Seek same-day medical advice if sores continue to spread, become increasingly painful, or develop surrounding warmth and swelling. Urgent care is needed for facial or eye involvement, severe illness, confusion, breathing difficulty, inability to swallow, or rapidly worsening redness.

Ask whether the rash is definitely impetigo, whether another skin condition is present, how to apply treatment correctly, and whether household contacts or underlying skin irritation are contributing.