Impetigo
Impetigo is a contagious skin infection caused by either Group A Streptococcus or Staphylococcus aureus bacteria that can normally live on the skin. The infection can develop when the bacteria enter through a small wound.
Impetigo can appear anywhere on the body, but most often affects exposed skin, mainly around the nose and mouth, as well as on the arms or legs.
Having impetigo does not mean that someone is unclean. It is common among preschool and school-aged children, especially if they have other skin conditions like eczema or insect bites (mosquitoes, black flies, etc.).
What are the symptoms?
Impetigo usually appears as red, itchy blisters that break open and leak clear fluid or pus for a few days. A crusty yellow or “honey-colored” scab forms over the sore, which then heals without leaving a scar. Healthcare providers usually diagnose impetigo through a physical examination of the sores. Lab tests are generally not needed.
The bacteria that causes impetigo can spread to others when someone touches the sores (blisters), comes into contact with fluid from the sores, or touches contaminated surfaces. The infection can spread as long as the sore is leaking, or until 24 hours after antibiotic treatment has been started.
Anyone can get impetigo, but you are at more risk based on:
- Close contact: Close contact with another person with impetigo is the most common risk factor for illness. For example, if someone has impetigo, it can easily spread to other people in their household. Crowded conditions, such as those in schools and daycare centers, can increase the spread of impetigo.
- Age: Impetigo is most common in children 2 - 5 years old.
- Infections or injuries that break the skin: Participating in activities where insect bites or cuts or scrapes are common can also increase someone’s risk of impetigo.
Impetigo usually clears up on its own in about three weeks. However, with antibiotic treatment, the healing process can be reduced to one or two weeks. If left untreated, the infection may take longer to heal and could spread to other areas or people.
The antibiotics are either applied onto the sores (topical antibiotics) or taken by mouth (oral antibiotics).
Once the sores heal, someone with impetigo is usually not able to spread the bacteria to others.
How do you prevent it?
Things people can do to protect themselves and others:
Wound care:
The best way to prevent bacterial skin infections, including impetigo:
- Clean all small cuts and injuries that break the skin (like blisters and scrapes) with soap and water.
- Clean and cover draining or open cuts/wounds with clean, dry bandages until they heal.
- If you have an open wound or active infection, avoid going inside swimming pools or natural bodies of water (e.g., lakes, rivers, oceans).
Skin care and personal hygiene
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and keep nails short.
- Regularly wash your hair and body as the bacteria lives on the skin.
- Wash clothes, sheets, and towels of anyone who has impetigo every day. These items should not be shared with anyone else. After they have been washed, these items are safe for others to use
If you think you or your loved one has impetigo, or if impetigo symptoms worsen, see your healthcare provider. They will confirm the diagnosis and prescribe the right treatment
Did you know?
People diagnosed with impetigo can return to work, school, or childcare if they:
- Keep all sores covered
- Wait 24 hours after starting antibiotic treatment (full day)
- Use the antibiotics exactly as prescribed by the healthcare provider
Practice good skin care to help prevent impetigo. If you see symptoms of impetigo, take action quickly!
