Impetigo on the hands in adults

Hand impetigo may cause small fluid-filled blisters, shallow sores, oozing areas, or a golden crust. Because hands contact phones, door handles, food, and other skin, bacteria can move from the affected area to other people or body sites.

Cracking, scratching, minor cuts, or an itchy skin condition such as Atopic Dermatitis can make it easier for infection to begin. A clinician may need to separate impetigo from contact dermatitis, infected eczema, or another cause of Crusting Skin.

Have the rash assessed rather than sharing creams or covering it with an unwashed glove. Use prescribed Antibiotics For Skin Infection or Topical Antibiotic Therapy as directed, and complete the instructed course.

Wash hands gently and often, pat them dry, keep nails short, and cover draining sores with a clean dressing when practical. Do not share towels, nail tools, gloves, or personal items. Launder towels and clothing that touch the lesions, and avoid preparing food for others if sores cannot be covered.

Get prompt care if pain, warmth, swelling, pus, or redness is increasing, if the infection travels up the hand or arm, or if fever develops. Seek urgent help for severe swelling, reduced finger movement, numbness, or rapidly worsening pain. Arrange follow-up if new sores appear despite treatment.

Ask how long the area should remain covered, whether work or close contact needs temporary precautions, how to protect cracked skin, and when persistent crusting should be reassessed.