Is impetigo safe in children?

Impetigo is a superficial bacterial skin infection that often causes red sores, blisters, or crusted patches. It can spread through close contact, scratching, shared towels, clothing, or bedding. Children may pass it to siblings and classmates before the skin has healed, so keeping affected areas covered and practising careful hand hygiene matters.

A clinician may distinguish impetigo from eczema, insect bites, cold sores, or another infection. Treatment depends on how many areas are involved and where they are located. It may involve a prescribed cream, an oral medicine, or both.

Arrange a medical review, especially if sores are spreading or returning. Wash the area gently, pat it dry, avoid picking crusts, and keep fingernails short. Do not share towels, face cloths, razors, clothing, or pillows. Launder items that touch the sores, and follow the prescribed treatment for the full instructed duration.

Seek urgent medical advice if the child seems very unwell, has fever, rapidly worsening redness or swelling, severe pain, pus near the eye, or sores close to the eye. Prompt review is also needed if the infection is not improving with prescribed care, covers a large area, or affects a child with a weakened immune system.

Ask which treatment is appropriate, when the child can return to nursery or school, how to protect household members, and what changes would mean the infection needs another review.