Neonatal Impetigo: What to Know

Impetigo is a contagious bacterial infection of the skin. It may begin as small red areas, blisters or moist sores that break and form yellow-brown crusts. A newborn may have only subtle changes, and crusting can also occur with eczema, irritation or another infection.

Atopic dermatitis can weaken the skin barrier and make infection more likely, but a newborn rash should not be labelled from appearance alone. The site, speed of spread, discharge, temperature and the baby’s general behaviour help guide assessment.

Contact a paediatric or urgent medical service promptly. Wash hands before and after touching the affected area, keep the baby’s nails short, and use separate towels and clothing. Do not pick crusts, share ointments, or apply leftover antibiotics; treatment choice depends on the extent and location of infection.

A clinician may recommend Topical Antibiotic Therapy for a limited area or Antibiotics For Skin Infection when wider treatment is needed. Follow the prescribed course exactly and ask when the baby can safely mix with other children.

Seek emergency help if the baby has fever, poor feeding, unusual sleepiness, breathing difficulty, rapidly spreading redness, skin peeling, facial or eye involvement, or fewer wet nappies. These signs can indicate a more serious infection or dehydration.

Is this impetigo or another newborn rash? Does the baby need a swab or oral antibiotics? How should we clean the skin, protect household contacts and recognise worsening infection?