Impetigo is a highly contagious bacterial skin infection that most often affects young children, but it can occur at any age. It causes red sores, blisters and a honey-colored crust on the skin.
At Banner Health, we provide fast diagnosis and effective treatment to stop the infection, prevent spread and protect your family.
Impetigo is a common skin infection caused by bacteria, usually:
These bacteria enter the skin through small cuts, scrapes, insect bites or skin conditions like eczema. In some cases, impetigo can develop on healthy skin without an obvious break.
Impetigo spreads easily in:
It is most common in children ages 2 to 5.
Impetigo often begins as small red spots that quickly turn into blisters or sores.
Common signs include:
The rash may spread if scratched.
Because impetigo can look like cold sores, eczema, ringworm or other rashes, it’s important to get an accurate diagnosis.
Impetigo can look similar to other common skin conditions. Here’s how they differ:
If you’re unsure what type of rash you or your child has, a health care provider can make an accurate diagnosis and recommend the right treatment.
This is the most common form. It causes small blisters that burst and form a thick yellow or honey-colored crust. It usually affects the face, hands and arms.
This type causes larger fluid-filled blisters that may stay intact longer before breaking. It often appears on the trunk, arms or legs.
A deeper, more severe form that causes painful sores that may scar. It most often affects the lower legs.
Impetigo spreads through:
It spreads quickly in warm, humid weather.
Impetigo is contagious:
Children can usually return to school or daycare 24 hours after starting antibiotic treatment, as long as sores are covered when possible.
Risk factors include:
A health care provider can usually diagnose impetigo by examining the sores.
In some cases, a sample of fluid may be tested to determine which bacteria are causing the infection and which antibiotic will work best.
Impetigo is treated with antibiotics.
For mild cases, prescription creams or ointments such as mupirocin are applied directly to the sores.
For more widespread or severe infections, oral antibiotics may be prescribed.
It is important to complete the full course of antibiotics, even if symptoms improve.
Essential oils and natural remedies are sometimes promoted online for treating skin infections. However, impetigo is a bacterial infection, and antibiotics are the recommended treatment.
There is not enough high-quality medical evidence to show that essential oils can cure impetigo. Using them instead of antibiotics may allow the infection to spread or worsen.
If you are considering a natural product, talk with your health care provider first. Some oils can irritate the skin, especially in children.
Along with antibiotics:
Most cases improve within 7 to 10 days with treatment.
Mild impetigo may improve without treatment, but antibiotics:
Medical treatment is recommended.
Complications are rare but may include:
Seek medical care if symptoms worsen or do not improve.
To reduce spread and prevent recurrence:
Contact your provider if:
Our providers diagnose and treat impetigo quickly to relieve discomfort and stop the infection from spreading. We also help families understand how to protect others in the home and prevent future infections.
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