What should you know about impetigo untreated?

Impetigo begins in the outer layers of skin and may enlarge or appear at new sites when it is scratched or rubbed. Fluid from blisters and sores can transfer infection to fingers, clothing, towels, and nearby skin. Open areas can become more inflamed or develop a deeper skin infection. Crusted skin does not identify the cause on its own; see Crusting Skin for context.

People with atopic dermatitis may have breaks in the skin that make infection easier to establish; read about Atopic Dermatitis for related information.

Book a medical assessment, especially if lesions are multiplying, wet, tender, or affecting a child. Until reviewed, cleanse gently, cover sores where possible, wash hands often, and launder towels and clothing separately from shared items. Avoid scratching and do not share personal products. A clinician may recommend Topical Antibiotic Therapy for limited disease or Antibiotics For Skin Infection when a wider area is involved.

Seek prompt care for fever, rapidly spreading redness, increasing warmth, swelling, severe pain, pus, or feeling unwell. Get urgent advice when the face or area around an eye is involved. A sore that keeps returning, fails to improve after the prescribed course, or leaves a painful expanding area also needs reassessment.

Ask how extensive the infection is, which treatment is appropriate, when it should start improving, and how long to use the medicine even if the surface looks better.