Oral Medication for Impetigo: What to Know

Impetigo is a bacterial infection of the skin. A clinician considers the number and location of sores, how quickly they are changing, whether local treatment can reach them, and the person’s general health. Oral antibiotics work throughout the body, while a cream is applied directly to affected skin. The choice is individual; do not use someone else’s medicine or save tablets from an earlier illness. Crusting is a common visible feature, but [Crusting Skin](/symptoms/skin-crusting/) can have other causes.

Take the medicine at the prescribed times and complete the course unless the prescriber tells you to stop. If you miss a dose, follow the label or ask a pharmacist rather than doubling up. Tell the clinician about allergies, pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney or liver problems, and other medicines or supplements. Stop and seek urgent medical help for trouble breathing, facial swelling, or a rapidly spreading severe rash. More information is available in [Antibiotics For Skin Infection](/treatments/medical-dermatology/antibiotic-therapy-for-skin-infection/).

Contact the prescriber if sores continue to spread, pain or swelling increases, new fever develops, or there is no clear improvement after the treatment plan has had time to work. Urgent care is needed for confusion, severe weakness, swelling near the eye, or difficulty breathing. Keep lesions clean and avoid sharing towels while treatment is underway.

Ask why oral treatment is recommended, how it should be taken with food, which side effects need action, and whether anyone in the household needs assessment.