Impetigo on the face: symptoms and next steps

Bacteria can enter through a scratch, cracked skin, an insect bite, or an itchy rash. A spot may become a fragile blister or sore, leak fluid, and leave a crust as it dries. It can appear around the nose, mouth, cheeks, chin, or other facial skin. The face also commonly has acne, eczema, contact irritation, and cold sores, which can look similar at first. A clinician can assess the pattern, surface, and spread rather than relying on one visual feature. [Crusting Skin](/symptoms/skin-crusting/) offers context, while [Atopic Dermatitis](/conditions/atopic-dermatitis/) explains one cause of a weakened skin barrier.

Book a medical assessment for a new draining or crusted facial sore. Clean gently with water and mild cleanser, pat dry, and avoid picking, shaving over, or scrubbing the area. Wash hands before and after touching it. Use separate towels, pillowcases, face cloths, and cosmetics, and clean items that contact the lesion. Follow the prescribed plan exactly: a small area may be treated with [Topical Antibiotic Therapy](/treatments/medical-dermatology/topical-antibiotic-therapy/), while wider or multiple areas may need [Antibiotics For Skin Infection](/treatments/medical-dermatology/antibiotic-therapy-for-skin-infection/). Do not share or save medication for later.

Get prompt medical advice if facial redness, swelling, warmth, tenderness, or drainage is spreading. Seek urgent care for eye pain, blurred or changed vision, marked eyelid swelling, severe headache with facial swelling, fever, or rapid deterioration. Arrange review if the sore recurs, fails to improve with treatment, or leaves an expanding area of broken skin. Children, older adults, and people with reduced immunity may need earlier assessment when facial infection is suspected.

Ask whether the lesion is impetigo or another facial condition, whether treatment should be topical or oral, and how to keep medicine away from the eyes and lips. Ask when close contact can resume, whether household contacts need advice, and what improvement should look like.