What should you know about impetigo without blisters?

The non-blistering form often starts where bacteria enter through a scratch, insect bite, chapped skin, or another small break. The area may become red, itchy, moist, or tender before a crust develops. Blisters are not required for impetigo, and early lesions may look more like small erosions than fluid-filled bubbles. Other causes, including inflamed eczema such as [Atopic Dermatitis](/conditions/atopic-dermatitis/), can look similar. Because [Crusting Skin](/symptoms/skin-crusting/) has many possible causes, the pattern, location, spread, and symptoms matter more than one feature.

Keep the area clean with gentle washing and pat it dry rather than rubbing. Cover open sores when possible, wash hands after contact, and keep fingernails short to reduce scratching. Use separate towels, face cloths, bedding, and clothing until a clinician advises that close contact is reasonable. Do not apply leftover antibiotics or share prescribed medicine. Depending on the number and location of sores, a clinician may choose [Topical Antibiotic Therapy](/treatments/medical-dermatology/topical-antibiotic-therapy/) or [Antibiotics For Skin Infection](/treatments/medical-dermatology/antibiotic-therapy-for-skin-infection/).

Arrange prompt assessment when sores are multiplying, spreading to the face, or failing to improve with sensible skin care. Seek urgent help for fever, feeling markedly unwell, rapidly increasing redness or swelling, severe pain, or a lesion close to the eye. Earlier advice is appropriate for infants and people with diabetes or reduced immune function. A lack of blisters does not make a worsening infection harmless; urgency depends on progression and how you feel.

Does the absence of blisters change the likely diagnosis? What should I use to clean and cover the sores? Which household items need separate washing? When is the infection less likely to spread, and what change should prompt a review?