What should you know about impetigo rash?

The rash often begins where skin has been scratched, irritated, or broken. A spot may become a sore that leaks fluid and then forms a yellowish or brown crust. Some cases produce fragile blisters, while others mainly show moist, crusted patches around the nose, mouth, hands, or other exposed skin. Touching or scratching can move infection to nearby skin and to another person through hands, towels, clothing, or close contact. A rash that resembles impetigo can also be caused by another condition, so appearance alone cannot confirm the diagnosis.

Arrange a clinical assessment, particularly when new sores are appearing or the affected area is spreading. Gently wash the skin, pat it dry, and avoid picking at crusts. Cover reachable lesions with a clean dressing if this is practical, wash hands after touching the area, and keep towels, bedding, clothing, and razors separate until the infection has been assessed. A clinician may recommend a treatment applied to the skin or medicine taken by mouth, depending on the extent and location. Follow the prescribed course exactly and do not share leftover antibiotics.

Seek prompt medical care if redness, warmth, swelling, tenderness, or discharge is increasing, if the rash is near the eyes, or if the person seems unwell. Urgent assessment is appropriate for fever, marked pain, rapidly spreading redness, facial swelling, or eye symptoms. Babies, people with reduced immune defenses, and anyone with a recurrent infection should be assessed early. For background on similar crusting, see Crusting Skin.

Ask whether the appearance fits impetigo or another skin problem, whether treatment should be topical or oral, how to protect household contacts, and when school, work, sports, or swimming can safely resume.