What is Impetigo?
Impetigo is a common, highly contagious bacterial skin infection that typically causes red sores or blisters, usually around the nose and mouth. It is most often seen in young children.
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What Causes the Infection?
The cause is bacteria, either Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes, entering the skin through a small break, scratch, or insect bite. The infection spreads quickly through close contact.
What Symptoms Define the Lesions?
Small red sores appear and quickly rupture to leave shallow erosions. A golden honey-colored crust forms over the moist base. Lesions cluster around the nose and mouth and can spread with scratching or close contact. Mild itching and tenderness are common. Good hand hygiene limits transmission within households and schools.
How is Impetigo Diagnosed and Treated?
Diagnosis is usually made based on the visual appearance of the sores. Treatment involves prescription antibiotic ointment or, for widespread infections, oral antibiotics to kill the bacteria and prevent spread.
How Does This Condition Impact Vision or Eye Health?
Impetigo directly impacts eye health if the sores appear on the eyelids or surrounding skin. The infection can spread to the eye, causing severe inflammation of the eyelids and conjunctivitis (pink eye), requiring specific antibiotic eye drops.
What are the Necessary Hygiene Measures?
Necessary hygiene measures are paramount. The infected person must avoid touching the sores, and hands must be washed frequently. Separate towels and bedding should be used to prevent the infection from spreading to others.
FAQs on Impetigo
Is impetigo contagious?
Yes, impetigo is highly contagious and spreads easily through close contact or shared towels.
Can I treat it with OTC creams?
No, impetigo requires prescription topical (Mupirocin) or oral antibiotics for effective treatment.
Is impetigo serious?
It is usually not serious but needs prompt treatment to prevent spread and potential complications like kidney inflammation.
When to See Your Doctor
See a doctor for honey-colored crusts or fluid-filled blisters (Bullous Impetigo). If the sores develop into deep ulcers (Ecthyma), you require systemic antibiotics. Keep the child home from school until 24 hours after starting antibiotics to prevent an outbreak.
References
CDC. About Impetigo (cdc.gov). 2025.
NHS inform. Impetigo (nhsinform.scot). 2025.
Mayo Clinic. Impetigo Symptoms (mayoclinic.org). 2023.
MedlinePlus. Impetigo Overview (medlineplus.gov). 2024.