Impetigo

Impetigo is a skin infection caused by bacteria that invades a scratch, skin abrasion, or insect bite. Impetigo is more common in children than in adults. The infection begins as a red, itchy sore that blisters. The blisters ooze a few days before forming a sticky crust. Impetigo often appears on the face between the upper lip and nose.

Impetigo is very contagious. Physical contact, including scratching, spreads the infection to other parts of the body or to other people.

Children who live in unhealthy conditions or have suppressed immune systems are highly susceptible to impetigo. In adults, impetigo is usually a complication of another skin problem. Impetigo heals slowly and requires proper care. It is usually treated with antibiotics or an antibiotic cream.

Follow these tips to ease the discomfort of impetigo:

• Wash with antiseptic soap. Soak the area for 15 to 20 minutes and gently remove the crusts.
• Cover with gauze to keep the infection from spreading and to prevent scratching.
• Avoid spreading the infection. Do not share towels, clothing, bath water, washcloths, or razors. Shave around sores, not over them.
• Avoid skin contact until the condition clears.

Seek medical care for the following reasons:

• signs of impetigo appear
• improvement is not made after 3 or 4 days of treatment or new infected areas appear
• impetigo covers an area larger than two inches in diameter
• swelling and tenderness of infected areas around the nostrils, lips, and face or
• signs of infection: pain, swelling, or tenderness, red streaks extending from the area, white or yellow drainage or pus, or a fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.8 degrees Centigrade) or higher with no other cause

The infection should begin to heal within 2 to 3 days of antibiotic treatment. A person is no longer contagious after about 48 hours of antibiotics. It is important to take all of the antibiotic as directed by your healthcare provider.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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