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Impetigo starts with red sores or blisters, but the redness may be harder to see on brown and black skin.
The sores or blisters quickly burst and often leave crusty, golden-brown patches.
The patches can:
The sores and blisters of impetigo commonly affect the face (around the nose and mouth) and hands.
After the blisters burst, you often have golden-brown crusty patches on your skin.
Sometimes yellow liquid oozes from the blisters and hardens to leave a scaly border around a scab. This is called bullous impetigo.
| Skin symptoms | Possible cause |
|---|---|
|
Skin symptoms
Blisters on lips or around the mouth |
Possible cause |
|
Skin symptoms
Itchy, dry, cracked or sore skin |
Possible cause |
|
Skin symptoms
Itchy blisters |
Possible cause |
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 if your symptoms are caused by a more serious skin infection, like cellulitis.
If it's impetigo, they can prescribe:
Babies and people with a weakened immune system may also 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 be easily spread to other parts of your body or to other people through skin-to-skin contact.
You can also get it by touching things that have been infected, like towels and bedding.
Impetigo stops being contagious:
There are some things you can do to help stop impetigo spreading or getting worse while it's still contagious.
stay away from work, school or nursery until no longer contagious
wash affected areas with soap and water and dry them thoroughly
wash your hands frequently, particularly before and after using antibiotic cream
wash flannels, towels, sheets and pillowcases at a high temperature
wash 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, towels, sheets or pillowcases
do not prepare food for other people if you have impetigo
do not go to the gym or play contact sports like football
Impetigo usually infects skin that's already damaged.
You can get it if you have a minor injury like a cut, scratch or insect bite, or a skin condition.
To avoid getting impetigo:
