Impetigo oral antibiotic treatment: what to know

Impetigo is a contagious bacterial skin infection that can cause oozing sores, crusts, or fluid-filled blisters. A clinician may choose medicine taken by mouth when several areas are affected, lesions are rapidly extending, or local treatment is impractical. The choice depends on the appearance of the skin, allergy history, other medicines, age, and local prescribing guidance.

Take the medicine exactly as directed and do not share it with another person. Nausea, loose stools, or a mild stomach upset can occur with some antibiotics. A new widespread rash, facial swelling, wheezing, or trouble breathing needs urgent help because it may signal an allergic reaction.

Wash hands before and after touching the affected skin. Gently clean away loosened crusts with warm water, pat dry, and cover sores with a clean dressing if practical. Avoid scratching, shaving over lesions, sharing towels, clothing, bedding, razors, or sports equipment, and wash used fabrics separately when possible.

Finish the prescribed course unless the prescriber tells you to stop. Keep children home from close-contact activities until a clinician or local health guidance says they can return. Do not add leftover antibiotics or steroid creams without advice.

Arrange medical review if new sores appear after treatment starts, the skin becomes increasingly red or painful, or the medicine causes troublesome effects. Seek urgent care for swelling around the eye, severe pain, fever with marked unwellness, rapidly expanding redness, or red streaking from the affected area.

Ask which areas need treatment, how to take each dose, what to do if you miss a dose, and when improvement should be checked. Mention medicine allergies, pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney problems, and all medicines or supplements you use.