What should you know about systemic impetigo?

Impetigo is a bacterial infection of the outer skin, commonly causing blisters, sores, or a honey-coloured crust. The phrase systemic impetigo is sometimes used when infection is extensive or when a person feels unwell, but impetigo itself usually begins in the skin. Widespread disease should be assessed promptly because it can spread to other people and deeper tissues.

Sores may start around the nose and mouth or on areas affected by scratches, insect bites, eczema, or other breaks in the skin. They can ooze, then form crusts, and may spread through touching or shared towels. Children, people with irritated skin, and those with close household contact can be particularly affected.

Crusting alone does not prove impetigo; dermatitis, viral infections, and other conditions can look similar. A clinician may examine the skin and consider a swab when the pattern is unusual, recurrent, or not responding to treatment.

Arrange medical care for rapidly spreading sores, multiple affected areas, fever, or feeling generally unwell. Treatment depends on the extent and location of infection and may include topical antibiotic therapy or antibiotics for skin infection. Use prescribed medicine exactly as directed and finish the course unless the prescriber changes it.

Wash hands after touching the area, keep sores covered when practical, avoid scratching, and do not share towels, clothing, bedding, cosmetics, or razors. Wash personal items regularly and keep children away from close-contact activities until a clinician says it is appropriate.

Seek same-day care for fever, marked pain, rapidly increasing redness or swelling, pus, facial swelling, or sores near the eye. Urgent help is needed for confusion, faintness, breathing difficulty, or a child who appears very unwell. People with eczema or a weakened immune system should arrange review early.

Ask whether the rash is impetigo, whether a swab is needed, which treatment is suitable for its extent, how long to avoid close contact, and how to manage an underlying condition such as atopic dermatitis that may allow infection to recur.