What should you know about mamaso impetigo?

Impetigo often begins where the skin has been scratched, irritated or broken. Small red spots may become blisters or shallow sores, then dry into sticky crusts. It can affect the face, hands or other exposed areas and can pass through close contact or shared towels, clothing and bedding.

A child or adult with [Crusting Skin](/symptoms/skin-crusting/) may have impetigo, but crusting can have other causes. Eczema, including [Atopic Dermatitis](/conditions/atopic-dermatitis/), can become infected when the skin barrier is damaged.

Keep the area clean with gentle washing and cover sores with a clean dressing if practical. Wash hands after touching the skin, avoid scratching, and do not share towels, razors, clothing or pillowcases. Launder items that contact the sore and keep fingernails short.

A clinician may recommend [Topical Antibiotic Therapy](/treatments/medical-dermatology/topical-antibiotic-therapy/) for limited infection or [Antibiotics For Skin Infection](/treatments/medical-dermatology/antibiotic-therapy-for-skin-infection/) when lesions are more extensive or topical treatment is unsuitable. Use the prescribed treatment exactly as directed.

Seek prompt medical advice for rapidly spreading redness, increasing warmth or pain, fever, marked swelling, pus, eye involvement or a child who seems unwell. Arrange review if sores keep appearing, do not improve with prescribed care or recur. Urgent assessment is appropriate when swelling affects vision, breathing or swallowing.

Ask whether the appearance fits impetigo, how to protect household members, when normal activities are appropriate and whether another skin condition may be allowing repeated infections.