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Impetigo is a skin infection that's very contagious but not usually serious. It often gets better in 7 to 10 days if you get treatment. Anyone can get it, but it's very common in young children.
Impetigo starts with red sores or blisters, but the redness may be harder to see in brown and black skin.
The sores or blisters quickly burst and leave crusty, golden-brown patches.
The patches can:
Sores (non-bullous impetigo) or blisters (bullous impetigo) can start anywhere – but usually on exposed areas like your face and hands.
The sores or blisters burst and form crusty patches.
Impetigo can look similar to other skin conditions.
| Skin symptoms | Possible cause |
|---|---|
| Blisters on lips or around the mouth | Cold sores |
| Itchy, dry, cracked, sore | Eczema |
| Itchy blisters | Shingles, chickenpox |
Impetigo is very infectious. Check with the GP before you go into the surgery. They may suggest a phone consultation.
You can also speak to a pharmacist if you think you or your child have impetigo. They can provide the same treatment you would get from a GP, if you need it.
A GP or pharmacist will check it's not something more serious, like cellulitis.
If it's impetigo, you may need:
Babies and people with a weakened immune system may need antibiotic tablets to stop the infection causing more serious problems.
A GP can take a swab from your skin to check for the bacteria that causes impetigo. They may also take a swab from inside your nose.
They might prescribe an antiseptic body wash, nasal ointment, or both, to try to clear the bacteria and stop the impetigo coming back.
Do not stop taking the antibiotic tablets early, even if the impetigo starts to clear up.
Impetigo can easily spread to other parts of your body or to other people until it stops being contagious.
It stops being contagious:
To help stop impetigo spreading or getting worse while it's still contagious:
stay away from school or work
keep sores, blisters and crusty patches clean and dry
cover them with loose clothing or gauze bandages
wash your hands frequently
wash flannels, sheets and towels at a high temperature
wash or wipe down toys with detergent and warm water if your children have impetigo
do not touch or scratch sores, blisters or crusty patches – this also helps stop scarring
do not have close contact with children or people with diabetes or a weakened immune system (if they're having chemotherapy, for example)
do not share flannels, sheets or towels
do not prepare food for other people
do not go to the gym
do not play contact sports like football
Impetigo usually infects skin that's already damaged.
To avoid spreading the infection to other areas of your body and to other people:
