Back to Results
Impetigo
Mild
Impetigo is a common and highly contagious bacterial infection of the skin. It usually causes red sores or blisters that break open and form a characteristic yellowish or honey-colored crust. It is particularly common among young children and can spread easily through direct contact. Impetigo most often affects exposed areas such as the face, hands, and limbs. There are two common forms: nonbullous impetigo, which produces crusted sores, and bullous impetigo, which produces larger fluid-filled blisters. Scratching can spread the infection to nearby skin or to other people.
Body System
Skin Hair & Nails
When to Seek Medical Attention
Impetigo is usually not an emergency but should be medically assessed because it is contagious and may require treatment. Seek care if lesions are spreading, persistent, painful, or associated with fever or significant swelling. Prompt assessment is appropriate if the infection is worsening or involves a large area.
Symptoms
2
Causes
1
Treatments
5
Diet
3
Overview
Impetigo is a common and highly contagious bacterial infection of the skin. It usually causes red sores or blisters that break open and form a characteristic yellowish or honey-colored crust. It is particularly common among young children and can spread easily through direct contact. Impetigo most often affects exposed areas such as the face, hands, and limbs. There are two common forms: nonbullous impetigo, which produces crusted sores, and bullous impetigo, which produces larger fluid-filled blisters. Scratching can spread the infection to nearby skin or to other people.
Symptoms 2
Brittle Nails
Sudden Vision Loss
Causes 1
Impetigo is caused by bacteria, most commonly Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. The bacteria can enter through breaks in the skin caused by cuts, insect bites, eczema, or other irritation. The infection spreads readily through direct contact with infected skin or contaminated items. The bacteria responsible for impetigo can colonize the skin without causing disease and may enter through even very small breaks in the skin. Existing eczema, scabies, insect bites, abrasions, or other itchy conditions can create opportunities for infection. Warm conditions and close person-to-person contact facilitate spread.
Infection
Risk Factors
Risk factors include close contact with an infected person, crowded living conditions, warm or humid environments, poor access to hygiene facilities, and existing skin conditions that cause breaks in the skin. Children commonly spread impetigo among classmates or family members. Children, people living in crowded settings, athletes involved in close-contact activities, and individuals with skin injuries or chronic skin conditions may have greater exposure or susceptibility. Poor hygiene and sharing personal items can facilitate transmission. Previous impetigo does not provide reliable lifelong protection against reinfection.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on a patient's medical history,
symptoms, physical examination and, when necessary,
laboratory or imaging investigations.
Impetigo is usually diagnosed by examining the characteristic sores and crusts. Laboratory testing is not always necessary, but a sample from an infected area may be cultured when the diagnosis is uncertain, treatment has failed, or antibiotic resistance is suspected. A clinician generally recognizes impetigo from the typical appearance of the lesions and their rapid spread. Bacterial culture can identify the organism when infection is recurrent, severe, atypical, or not responding to treatment. Examination can also distinguish impetigo from conditions such as herpes infections, dermatitis, or fungal disease.
Prevention
Key Prevention Tips
Good hand and skin hygiene can reduce the spread of impetigo
Cuts, insect bites, and other skin injuries should be cleaned and covered
Avoiding close contact with infected lesions and not sharing towels, clothing, or personal items can help prevent transmission
Promptly cleaning minor skin injuries and treating underlying itchy skin conditions can reduce opportunities for bacterial infection
Hands should be washed regularly, especially after touching affected areas
During an active infection, personal towels, clothing, bedding, and other items should not be shared with others
Prevention Guidance
Good hand and skin hygiene can reduce the spread of impetigo. Cuts, insect bites, and other skin injuries should be cleaned and covered. Avoiding close contact with infected lesions and not sharing towels, clothing, or personal items can help prevent transmission. Promptly cleaning minor skin injuries and treating underlying itchy skin conditions can reduce opportunities for bacterial infection. Hands should be washed regularly, especially after touching affected areas. During an active infection, personal towels, clothing, bedding, and other items should not be shared with others.
Reminder: Prevention recommendations should be tailored to your personal health status and risk factors.
Treatment & Management 5
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Medical Note: The treatment information provided is intended for educational purposes only.
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting,
stopping, or changing any treatment.
Diet & Nutrition 3
Recommended Foods
Protein-rich foods
Support recovery
Fresh fruits
Vitamin support
Vegetables
Promote healing
Foods to Avoid
Sugary foods
May worsen infection
Processed foods
Limit intake
Medical Nutrition Note: Diet recommendations are intended for general educational purposes and should be tailored to individual health needs by a qualified healthcare professional.
Frequently Asked Questions 5
A contagious bacterial skin infection.
It is most common in children.
Through direct contact with infected skin.
Honey-colored crusts and skin sores.
Yes, with proper treatment.
Helpful Tip: These answers provide general medical information.
Consult your healthcare provider for advice tailored to your condition.