When is topical antibiotic therapy recommended for impetigo?

Impetigo is a contagious bacterial infection that can produce blisters or sores which break and form yellow-brown crusts. A clinician considers how many areas are involved, where they are located, whether lesions are spreading, and whether the person is otherwise well before choosing local treatment.

A topical medicine is placed on the affected skin and is not intended for casual use on unexplained rashes. Widespread disease, deeper infection, repeated episodes, or involvement of sensitive areas may require a different treatment plan. Crusts should not be forcibly removed because this can damage skin and spread infection.

Use the prescribed treatment as directed after gentle cleansing and careful drying. Wash hands before and after touching the area, keep lesions covered when practical, and avoid sharing towels, bedding, clothing, cosmetics, or personal items. Wash clothing and linens that touch the sores, and keep fingernails short to reduce scratching.

Stay away from close-contact activities until a clinician says it is reasonable to return. If new sores appear during treatment or the original area is not improving, arrange a review rather than extending the medicine yourself.

Get prompt medical advice if redness, swelling, warmth, or pain spreads beyond the sores, or if there is fever, marked tiredness, facial swelling, or eye involvement. Seek urgent help for rapidly worsening skin or symptoms affecting vision.

Ask how to clean and cover the sores, how long to use the medicine, when close contact is safe, and what to do if another household member develops crusted sores.