What should you know about OTC impetigo treatment?

Impetigo is a contagious bacterial infection that often starts in irritated, scratched, or broken skin. It may produce small blisters or sores that ooze and form yellow-brown crusts, commonly around the nose and mouth or on exposed limbs. [Crusting Skin](/symptoms/skin-crusting/) can have other causes, so appearance alone does not confirm impetigo.

Children and adults can both develop it. Touching the sores and then touching another person or a shared towel can spread bacteria, while scratching can carry the infection to nearby skin.

Wash your hands after touching the area, clean gently with lukewarm water, and pat dry. Do not pick crusts or share towels, bedding, clothing, razors, or cosmetics. Keep sores covered with a clean dressing when practical, launder used fabrics, and avoid close skin contact until a clinician advises that normal activities are appropriate.

Do not rely on antiseptic, moisturiser, or a leftover antibiotic. A clinician may recommend [Topical Antibiotic Therapy](/treatments/medical-dermatology/topical-antibiotic-therapy/) for limited disease or [Antibiotics For Skin Infection](/treatments/medical-dermatology/antibiotic-therapy-for-skin-infection/) when the infection is more widespread or needs treatment by mouth.

Arrange prompt medical care when sores are spreading, painful, numerous, or close to the eyes; when there is fever, marked swelling, pus, or a child seems unwell; or when the skin infection keeps returning. Seek urgent advice for rapidly worsening redness, severe pain, or feeling very ill. People with eczema, including [Atopic Dermatitis](/conditions/atopic-dermatitis/), may need earlier assessment when broken skin becomes crusted.

Ask whether the sores fit impetigo, whether a swab or examination is needed, which treatment is appropriate, and how long to limit contact with others. Ask how to clean the area, what improvement should look like, and what to do if new sores appear during treatment.