Overview
Impetigo is a common and highly contagious skin infection that usually causes sores, often on the face, arms, or legs. It's caused by bacteria, typically Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes, that enter the skin through a cut, scrape, insect bite, or even areas of eczema.
Children, especially those between the ages of 2 and 5, are most commonly affected, often in warm, humid weather, or in crowded environments like schools or daycare centers. The good news is that while it can look a bit alarming, impetigo is usually not serious. However, it can be quite itchy and sometimes uncomfortable, and because it's so easily spread, it can sometimes cause a bit of disruption to daily life, like needing to stay home from school.
Symptoms
You might notice a few different things if it's impetigo. Here are some of the most common signs:
Red sores or small blisters - that can appear anywhere on the body, but often start around the nose and mouth, or on the hands and feet.
The sores quickly rupture (pop) - and ooze a clear or yellowish fluid.
A characteristic honey-colored or golden crust - forms over the sores after they weep. This is a key sign many people recognize.
The sores can be itchy - and sometimes a little sore or tender.
The affected skin area - may look red and inflamed.
The sores can grow larger - and spread to other areas of the body through scratching or touching.
In some cases, deeper, pus-filled sores - called ecthyma can occur, which may be more painful and can leave scars.
Fever - is rare with common impetigo, but can sometimes occur with more extensive infections.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing impetigo usually involves a healthcare professional looking closely at the sores. The characteristic appearance, especially those honey-colored crusts, is often enough for a diagnosis.
Sometimes, if the infection isn't responding to initial care or if there's uncertainty, your doctor might take a swab of the fluid or crust from a sore. This sample is then sent to a lab to identify the specific bacteria causing the infection. This helps confirm the diagnosis and can guide further steps if needed.
Duration & Outlook
With proper care, impetigo is typically an acute condition, meaning it's short-term. The sores usually begin to heal within a few days of starting appropriate measures and often clear up completely within 2 to 3 weeks without scarring, especially if it's the non-bullous type (the kind with crusts). Bullous impetigo (larger blisters) also usually resolves without scarring.
It's important to complete the full course of any recommended care to make sure the infection is fully gone. If left untreated, impetigo can sometimes persist for longer or spread. ## Warning sign for a complication could be if the sores become very deep, painful, if you develop a fever, or if the skin around the sores becomes very red, warm, and swollen, which might suggest a deeper skin infection. In rare cases, a type of kidney inflammation called post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis can occur after a streptococcal impetigo infection, so watch for swelling (especially in the face, hands, or feet) or changes in urine color.
Prevention
Preventing impetigo largely comes down to good hygiene and proper wound care. Here are some key steps:
Keep skin clean - by washing regularly with soap and water.
Clean any cuts, scrapes, insect bites, or other skin breaks - immediately and thoroughly with soap and water, and cover them with a clean bandage.
Encourage frequent handwashing - especially after coughing, sneezing, or playing outside.
Keep fingernails trimmed short - to reduce skin damage from scratching and to prevent bacteria from collecting under them.
Avoid sharing towels, clothing, or bedding - with someone who has impetigo.
If someone in your household has impetigo - wash their clothes, linens, and towels daily in hot water until the sores are no longer contagious.
Causes & Triggers
Impetigo is caused by common bacteria, either Staphylococcus aureus (staph) or Streptococcus pyogenes (strep). These bacteria are often present on our skin or in our noses without causing any harm. However, they can cause an infection if they get into a break in the skin.
Common triggers for impetigo include:
Minor skin injuries - Cuts, scrapes, insect bites, or even areas of irritated skin like eczema provide an entry point for bacteria.
Warm, humid weather - Bacteria tend to thrive in these conditions.
Crowded conditions - Places like schools, daycare centers, or contact sports increase the chance of bacteria spreading from person to person.
Poor hygiene - Not washing hands regularly or not keeping wounds clean can increase risk.
Existing skin conditions - People with conditions like eczema or scabies are more prone because their skin barrier might already be compromised or they scratch frequently.
Anyone can get impetigo, but it's most common in children aged 2-5. People living in close quarters, participating in contact sports, or those with weakened immune systems are also at higher risk.
When to see a doctor:
It's always a good idea to see a doctor or healthcare professional if you suspect impetigo, especially in children, to get a proper diagnosis and guidance. This is because it's very contagious and sometimes needs specific care to clear up and prevent spreading.
You should definitely seek medical attention if:
You see sores that look like impetigo - especially if they have honey-colored crusts.
The sores are spreading rapidly - or getting larger.
The person with sores develops a fever.
The sores are painful - or very tender.
The infection doesn't start to improve - after a couple of days of home care (like gentle cleaning).
You're unsure if it's impetigo - or something else.
Impetigo keeps coming back.
A dermatologist is a specialist in skin conditions. While your primary care doctor can often diagnose and manage impetigo, you might be referred to a dermatologist if the infection is severe, recurrent, doesn't respond to initial care, or if there's diagnostic uncertainty.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Is impetigo painful? - It can be itchy and sometimes a bit sore, but it's not usually very painful unless it's a deeper form called ecthyma.
Will impetigo leave scars? - The most common form of impetigo (non-bullous) usually heals without scarring if it's not picked at. Deeper sores (ecthyma) have a higher chance of leaving a scar.
How long is impetigo contagious? - Impetigo is contagious as long as there are oozing sores or moist crusts. Generally, it's no longer contagious after the sores have completely crusted over and dried, or about 24-48 hours after starting appropriate care as advised by a doctor.
Can adults get impetigo? - Yes, while it's much more common in children, adults can definitely get impetigo, especially if they have cuts or other skin conditions, or live in close contact with someone who has it.
If my child has impetigo, do they need to stay home from school or daycare? - Yes, usually. Because impetigo is very contagious, children should typically stay home until they are no longer considered contagious by a healthcare professional, or until the sores can be reliably covered. Always check with your school or daycare's policy and your doctor's advice.
