Impetigo: Symptoms, Treatment, and When to Seek Medical Care
Impetigo
Impetigo is a contagious skin infection that often causes red sores, blisters, crusting, or honey-colored scabs. It is usually caused by bacteria, commonly Staphylococcus aureus or Group A Streptococcus.
Impetigo is more common in children, but adults can get it too, especially when bacteria enter through irritated, scratched, or broken skin.
What does impetigo look like?
Impetigo may cause:
Red sores or patches
Blisters that break open
Honey-colored crusting
Itching or irritation
Mild pain or tenderness
Skin drainage or weeping
Sores around the nose, mouth, arms, legs, or other exposed areas
Spreading spots from scratching or touching
Impetigo can sometimes start after a bug bite, eczema flare, cut, scrape, rash, or other skin irritation.
Is impetigo contagious?
Yes. Impetigo spreads easily through skin-to-skin contact, scratching, towels, clothing, bedding, sports equipment, or touching the infected area and then touching another part of the body.
To reduce spread:
Wash hands often
Avoid touching or scratching the sores
Keep sores covered when possible
Do not share towels, razors, clothing, or bedding
Wash clothing, towels, and bedding in hot water if possible
Clean commonly touched surfaces
Keep fingernails short
Avoid close contact until treatment has started and sores are improving
Types of impetigo
Non-bullous impetigo This is the most common type. It often causes small sores that rupture and form yellow or honey-colored crusts.
Bullous impetigo This type causes larger fluid-filled blisters, often on the trunk, arms, or legs.
Ecthyma This is a deeper form of skin infection that can cause painful sores or ulcers. It usually needs medical evaluation.
What you can do at home
Home care may help prevent spread and support healing, but impetigo often needs prescription treatment.
Supportive care may include:
Gently wash the area with soap and water
Soften crusts with warm, wet compresses
Avoid picking or scratching
Cover the area with clean gauze or clothing
Wash hands after touching the area
Wash towels, sheets, and clothing regularly
Avoid sharing personal items
Keep nails trimmed
Treatment for impetigo
Treatment depends on how severe or widespread the infection is.
A healthcare provider may recommend:
A topical antibiotic ointment for limited areas
Oral antibiotics for more widespread infection
Evaluation for other skin conditions if the rash is recurrent or not improving
Culture or testing if infection is severe, recurrent, or not responding to treatment
It is important to take medication exactly as prescribed. Do not use leftover antibiotics or share antibiotics with others.
What to avoid
Avoid:
Picking at scabs
Scratching the rash
Sharing towels or personal items
Using leftover antibiotic creams without guidance
Covering the rash with heavy ointments not recommended by a provider
Delaying care if the rash is spreading
Ignoring fever, swelling, or worsening pain
When to seek medical care
Schedule a medical evaluation if you have:
Honey-colored crusting
Spreading sores
Blisters
Drainage or weeping skin
Rash near the eyes
Rash that is painful or worsening
Signs of infection after a cut, scrape, bug bite, or eczema flare
Recurrent skin infections
Diabetes
Weakened immune system
No improvement after home care
Concern that the rash may be something else
When to seek urgent or emergency care
Seek urgent or emergency care for:
Fever with spreading rash
Rapidly worsening redness, warmth, swelling, or pain
Red streaking from the area
Severe pain
Swelling around the eyes
Rash involving the eye
Confusion or severe weakness
Signs of dehydration
Large areas of blistering or peeling skin
Symptoms of severe allergic reaction
Trouble breathing
Any rapidly worsening symptoms
Can telehealth help?
Yes. Telehealth can often help evaluate possible impetigo, especially when clear photos or video are available. A telehealth visit may help determine whether prescription treatment is appropriate, whether the infection appears mild or more serious, and whether in-person care is needed.
In-person care may be needed if the rash is near the eye, rapidly spreading, severe, recurrent, associated with fever, or not improving with treatment.
Prevention tips
To reduce the chance of impetigo spreading or returning:
Wash hands often
Keep cuts, bites, and scrapes clean
Avoid scratching itchy rashes
Treat eczema or skin irritation early
Keep nails short
Wash towels and bedding regularly
Avoid sharing razors, towels, or clothing
Clean sports equipment after use
Cover open or draining skin areas
Final thought
Impetigo is common and treatable, but it spreads easily. Early care can help reduce symptoms, prevent spread to others, and lower the risk of complications.
This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, signs of infection, severe allergic reaction symptoms, trouble breathing, or a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
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