Mild impetigo treatment: what to know

Impetigo is a contagious superficial bacterial infection that can form small blisters or moist sores before leaving yellow-brown crusts. It may begin around the nose or mouth but can affect other exposed skin. Crusting can also occur with other problems, so a clinician may check the appearance and distribution before choosing treatment.

The infection can pass through close skin contact, shared towels, clothing, or objects that touched a sore. Scratching can move bacteria to nearby skin.

Wash your hands after touching the area, keep fingernails short, and gently clean the sores with mild soap and water. Pat the skin dry rather than rubbing it. Do not pick crusts or share towels, clothing, bedding, or personal grooming items while sores are present.

A clinician may recommend [Topical Antibiotic Therapy](/treatments/medical-dermatology/topical-antibiotic-therapy/) when a small area is involved, or [Antibiotics For Skin Infection](/treatments/medical-dermatology/antibiotic-therapy-for-skin-infection/) when broader treatment is needed. Use the prescribed medicine exactly as directed and do not use leftover antibiotics.

Arrange a medical assessment if sores are spreading, painful, repeatedly returning, or not settling with the advised plan. Seek prompt care for fever, marked swelling, rapidly worsening redness, severe tenderness, eye involvement, or feeling generally unwell. Keep children away from close-contact activities until a clinician says returning is appropriate.

Ask whether the appearance fits impetigo, which areas need treatment, how to clean the skin, and when it is safe to share towels or return to school or work. Mention eczema or [Atopic Dermatitis](/conditions/atopic-dermatitis/) and show any [Crusting Skin](/symptoms/skin-crusting/) that is spreading.