Impetigo
Impetigo is a common bacterial skin infection, mostly in young children. It causes sores that burst and form honey-coloured crusts, often around the nose and mouth. It spreads easily by touch and by sharing towels. It is usually mild and clears quickly with treatment.
Symptoms
- Red sores or small blisters, often around the nose and mouth or on the hands
- Sores burst and leave golden or honey-coloured crusts
- Itching around the sores
- Larger fluid-filled blisters in some children
- Swollen glands nearby in some cases
Causes
- Bacteria (staphylococcus or streptococcus) entering through small cuts, insect bites or scratched skin
- Close contact with an infected person
- Sharing towels, clothes or bedding
- Crowded living conditions and warm weather
- Skin already damaged by eczema, scabies or lice
Prevention
- Wash hands often with soap and water
- Keep children's nails short and clean
- Clean cuts and insect bites and keep them covered
- Do not share towels, clothes or bedding
- Keep a child with impetigo home from school until 48 hours after starting antibiotics or until the sores crust over
Treatment
- Gently wash off crusts with warm soapy water
- Antibiotic cream such as fusidic acid or mupirocin for small areas
- Antibiotic tablets or syrup from a doctor for widespread infection
- Keep sores covered and wash hands after touching them
- Do not start antibiotic tablets or syrup without a doctor
Common questions
How long is impetigo contagious?
Until the sores have dried and crusted over, or about 48 hours after starting antibiotic treatment.
Does impetigo leave scars?
Usually not. Most sores heal without scars, although the skin may look lighter or darker for a while.