Impetigo patient information

The infection can affect healthy skin or enter through a scratch, insect bite, cracked area, or existing rash. Lesions may start as small red spots or fluid-filled blisters, then break and leave a sticky yellow-brown crust. They can occur on the face, hands, arms, or other places that are touched or rubbed.

Impetigo passes through direct contact and contaminated personal items. Atopic dermatitis may leave the skin barrier vulnerable, but only an examination can tell whether a particular rash is impetigo. Skin crusting is a useful detail to mention when arranging care; see Crusting Skin for related context.

Clean hands before and after touching the area. Gently wash sores, dry them by patting, cover them when possible, and avoid sharing towels, clothing, bedding, razors, or cosmetics. Launder items that contact the sores and keep fingernails short to reduce scratching.

A clinician may recommend Topical Antibiotic Therapy for a small, localised area or Antibiotics For Skin Infection when lesions are more widespread or difficult to treat topically. Use treatment exactly as prescribed and do not share medicine with another person. Keep follow-up advice if the rash does not settle.

Seek medical advice for a new crusted, oozing, or rapidly spreading rash, especially if the diagnosis is uncertain. Prompt review is needed when sores involve the eyes, when swelling or warmth is increasing, or when someone in the household is particularly vulnerable to infection.

Urgent care is appropriate for severe swelling near the eye, severe pain, confusion, faintness, breathing problems, or a marked feeling of illness. These warning signs need assessment beyond routine skin care.

Ask: How can I tell whether the sores are infected? Which treatment is appropriate for their location? How should I clean and cover them? What household precautions are needed, and what change would mean I should return for review?