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What should you know about impetigo what is?

How the structures involved in Impetigo differ from normal
Illustration: How the structures involved in Impetigo differ from normal

Short answer

Impetigo is a contagious bacterial infection of the outer skin that causes sores, blisters, or crusting and needs infection-focused care.

This answers one question. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace an assessment by a licensed doctor.

At a glance

Type
Bacterial skin infection
Typical clue
Crusted or oozing sores
Transmission
Direct contact and shared fabrics

How it appears

The infection often starts in a cut, scratch, insect bite, or irritated patch. Small blisters or red sores may leak fluid and leave a yellow-brown crust. It commonly affects the face and hands, but can occur anywhere. Some people have itching or tenderness rather than strong pain. Atopic Dermatitis and other itchy rashes can damage the skin barrier, making bacterial entry easier. A clinician can distinguish impetigo from other causes of Crusting Skin by examining the pattern and progression.

What to do

Wash the area gently with clean water and mild cleanser, then pat dry. Cover open sores, wash hands after contact, and keep towels, clothes, and bedding separate until they are washed. Avoid picking at crusts. For a small area, a clinician may prescribe Topical Antibiotic Therapy; wider infection may need oral treatment. Do not share prescribed medicine or use someone else’s cream.

When to seek care

Book an assessment when sores spread, recur, or fail to improve, or when you are unsure whether the rash is infectious. Seek prompt help for fever, rapidly expanding redness, increasing swelling, pus, severe pain, or sores close to the eye. Children with active draining sores may need specific advice about close contact.

Questions for your doctor

Is this impetigo or another skin problem? How should I clean and cover it? Do I need topical treatment or Antibiotics For Skin Infection, and how can I prevent spread at home?

Find care

General Clinics & Polyclinics in Abu Dhabi

That answer is general. If you want it applied to your own case, these are licensed general clinics & polyclinics listed in Abu Dhabi.

City

Ordered by verification status and how complete each clinic's public record is, then alphabetically. This is a directory listing, not a ranking — Zavis does not rate or recommend providers.

A factual listing drawn from the DHA, DOH and MOHAP licence registers. It is not a referral, an endorsement, or advice that any of these providers is right for you.

Questions people ask

Is impetigo contagious?

Yes. Bacteria can spread through direct contact with sores or items that touched them.

Can I remove the crust?

Do not pick it off. Gentle cleansing and prescribed treatment help the skin heal without extra injury.

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Medical disclaimer. This page is general health information, not medical advice, and it cannot diagnose you. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider about your own symptoms and treatment. In an emergency in the UAE, call 998 for an ambulance.