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What to know about impetigo in children

How the structures involved in Impetigo differ from normal
Illustration: How the structures involved in Impetigo differ from normal

Short answer

Impetigo in children is a contagious bacterial skin infection that needs medical assessment when sores spread or crust.

This answers one question. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace an assessment by a licensed doctor.

At a glance

Spread
Contact with sores, hands, towels, or bedding can transmit infection
Appearance
Blisters or sores that may form a yellow-brown crust
Hygiene
Handwashing and separate towels help limit spread

What impetigo means

Impetigo often begins as small red spots or blisters around the nose and mouth, but it can affect broken skin anywhere. The spots may leak and form a yellow-brown crust. Children can spread the bacteria by scratching, touching, or sharing towels and bedding. A clinician can distinguish impetigo from eczema, cold sores, insect bites, or other infections.

What you can do

Arrange a medical assessment because treatment may involve a prescribed cream or medicine taken by mouth, depending on the number and location of sores. Gently clean the area, wash hands after touching it, keep nails short, and cover sores with clean dressings when practical. Do not share towels, clothing, face cloths, or pillows. Wash used fabrics regularly and follow school or nursery advice about returning.

When to seek medical care

Seek prompt care if redness, warmth, swelling, pain, or drainage is spreading, or if your child develops fever, marked tiredness, or swollen glands. Urgent assessment is needed for sores near the eyes, rapidly worsening skin, or a child who appears seriously unwell. Complete prescribed treatment as directed and return for review if new lesions continue to appear.

Questions for your doctor

Is this impetigo or another infection? Which treatment should we use and for how long? How should we clean and cover the sores, and when can my child return to school or nursery?

Find care

General Clinics & Polyclinics in Abu Dhabi

That answer is general. If you want it applied to your own case, these are licensed general clinics & polyclinics listed in Abu Dhabi.

City
See every listing in Abu Dhabi

Ordered by verification status and how complete each clinic's public record is, then alphabetically. This is a directory listing, not a ranking — Zavis does not rate or recommend providers.

A factual listing drawn from the DHA, DOH and MOHAP licence registers. It is not a referral, an endorsement, or advice that any of these providers is right for you.

Questions people ask

Can my child go to school with impetigo?

Ask the treating clinician and follow the school or nursery policy. Covering sores and starting appropriate treatment can affect when attendance is safe.

Should impetigo sores be scratched or peeled?

No. Scratching and peeling can spread bacteria and damage the skin. Clean gently and use the treatment recommended by a clinician.

Medical disclaimer. This page is general health information, not medical advice, and it cannot diagnose you. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider about your own symptoms and treatment. In an emergency in the UAE, call 998 for an ambulance.