What to expect from topical antibiotic therapy for impetigo

Impetigo is a contagious bacterial infection that can cause blisters, shallow sores, and yellow-brown crusts, often around the nose, mouth, or on exposed skin. The medicine works at the treated surface. Existing crusts may take time to loosen and heal, so avoid picking them even when the area starts to look better.

Some cases need a different or additional treatment, especially when sores are numerous, spreading, or deeper. Irritation from the product can resemble worsening redness, so report a strong reaction rather than applying more.

Wash your hands before and after treatment. Use the prescribed amount on clean skin, and gently soften or remove loose crust only if your clinician has advised this. Keep sores covered when practical, use separate towels and face cloths, wash bedding and clothing regularly, and avoid scratching, close skin contact, and sharing personal items until a clinician says the infection is no longer contagious.

Contact a clinician promptly if sores multiply, redness spreads, swelling or pain increases, or the eyes become involved. Fever, unusual sleepiness, weakness, or feeling significantly unwell needs urgent medical assessment. Seek review if there is no improvement during the advised treatment period, if the infection returns often, or if a child with sores cannot avoid scratching and spreading them.

Ask how to clean the sores, whether they should be covered, and when close contact or school can safely resume. Clarify how long to apply the medicine, what to do after a missed application, and which changes mean that an oral medicine or diagnostic review is needed.