What Is Impetigo?
Impetigo is a highly contagious skin infection that mostly affects infants and young children, though it can occur in people of any age. It is caused by bacteria, usually Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. It causes red sores or blisters that can ooze, rupture, and form a honey-colored crust.
Impetigo is common, easy to spread through close contact, but usually mild and treatable with proper care.
What Causes Impetigo?
Impetigo is caused by a bacterial infection of the skin. The bacteria enter the body through:
- Small cuts or abrasions
- Bug bites
- Existing skin conditions like eczema
Sometimes, it can develop on healthy skin without any clear injury.
Who Is at Risk?
Anyone can get impetigo, but it’s most common in:
- Children aged 2 to 5 years
- People in crowded environments (schools, daycares, sports teams)
- Individuals with weakened immune systems
- People with skin conditions like eczema or dermatitis
- Those living in warm, humid climates
What Are the Symptoms of Impetigo?
Symptoms usually begin as red sores or blisters around the nose, mouth, hands, or legs. Common signs include:
- Small red spots or bumps that quickly turn into blisters
- Blisters that burst and ooze a yellowish fluid
- Golden, honey-colored crusts that form as the sores dry
- Itching or discomfort around the affected areas
- In some cases, swollen lymph nodes nearby
There are two main types:
- Non-bullous impetigo – more common; causes small sores that crust over
- Bullous impetigo – causes larger blisters filled with fluid
Is Impetigo Contagious?
Yes, very much so. It can spread through:
- Direct skin-to-skin contact
- Sharing towels, clothing, or toys
- Touching infected sores and then touching another area of the body
Children with impetigo are often advised to stay home from school until they’ve been on antibiotics for at least 24 hours.
How Is Impetigo Diagnosed?
A doctor can usually diagnose impetigo based on appearance alone. In some cases, especially if the infection keeps returning, a skin swab may be taken to identify the bacteria and determine the best treatment.
How Is Impetigo Treated?
Treatment is usually simple and very effective:
1. Topical Antibiotics
- Mupirocin ointment is commonly prescribed
- Applied directly to the affected area for 5–10 days
2. Oral Antibiotics
- For widespread or stubborn infections
- May include cephalexin, clindamycin, or amoxicillin-clavulanate
3. Home Care Tips
- Gently wash the affected area with soap and water
- Keep the area clean and covered
- Avoid scratching to prevent spreading
- Do not share towels, clothing, or bedding
Most people see improvement within a few days of starting treatment.
Can Impetigo Lead to Complications?
Although rare, untreated impetigo can lead to:
- Cellulitis (a deeper skin infection)
- Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (a kidney condition)
- Scarring in more severe or prolonged cases
- Spread of infection to other body parts or people
Prompt treatment helps avoid these complications.
How Can Impetigo Be Prevented?
Prevention focuses on good hygiene:
- Wash hands regularly
- Keep nails trimmed and clean
- Clean and cover minor cuts or scrapes
- Avoid sharing personal items like towels or razors
- Keep children with impetigo home until treated
- Treat other skin conditions like eczema that can lead to broken skin
When Should You See a Doctor?
Seek medical advice if:
- Sores are painful, growing, or spreading
- The condition doesn’t improve in a few days
- You develop fever or swollen glands
- There are repeated infections
Early treatment leads to faster recovery and helps prevent spreading to others.