What should you know about impetigo skin rash?

Impetigo can start around the nose or mouth, on the hands, or where skin has been scratched or irritated. Blisters may break easily, leaving shallow moist sores that dry into a characteristic crust. Itch can lead to scratching and further spread, while discomfort varies from person to person.

A rash is a symptom rather than a diagnosis. Contact dermatitis may follow a product or chemical exposure; heat rash tends to affect sweaty areas; ringworm can form a scaly edge; scabies often causes intense itch with a characteristic distribution. Atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, intertrigo and drug rash have their own patterns. A clinician should assess a rash that is crusted, spreading or unclear.

Keep the skin gently clean and dry, cover weeping areas, and wash hands after applying dressings. Use separate towels and face cloths, avoid sharing clothing or bedding, and wash items that touch the rash. Do not scratch, scrape off crusts or apply steroid cream to a suspected infection unless a clinician advises it.

Seek medical advice for a new crusted rash or one that is spreading. Treatment is selected according to its extent, site and appearance; the clinician may recommend a local treatment or medicine taken for infection.

Seek prompt care if the rash is expanding quickly, becoming hot or painful, producing increasing drainage, or accompanied by fever or feeling unwell. Get urgent help when there is severe swelling around an eye, vision change, confusion or difficulty breathing. Children, older adults and people with reduced immunity may need earlier review.

Ask which features support impetigo rather than another rash, whether you need treatment for a local or wider infection, how long to avoid close skin contact, and what cleaning routine is suitable. Share any new medication, cosmetic, detergent or outdoor exposure.