impetigo

Impetigo is a highly contagious bacterial skin infection caused by the Streptococcus pyogenes, or group A strep bacteria. While anyone can get impetigo – which is also known as infantigo – children of the ages of two through five years old are most at risk to catch it.¹

These “school sores” begins with an itchy and red sore which becomes a yellow and crusty scab as it heals. While this skin infection doesn’t look pretty and can be uncomfortable, it isn’t a serious condition and can be easily treated.¹

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What is Impetigo?

When group A strep bacteria infects your skin, impetigo sores appear. These sores may leak pus for a few days. This skin infection can be spread to others if someone touches your sores or the fluid that comes from them.

There are two types of impetigo:²

• Non-bullous impetigo: The most common type, this skin infection causes small bursting blisters that scab over with a yellow crust.
• Bullous impetigo: In this form, the blisters become filled with clear fluid that take longer to burst.

Impetigo Symptoms

Impetigo appears as itchy sores that quickly rupture and leak clear fluid. Once healed, they form a “honey-colored” crust. The sores most often show up on these areas of the body:¹

• Arms
• Hands
• Feet
• Nose
• Legs
• Mouth

Within ten days of being exposed to group A strep bacteria, the sores will begin to appear.

Impetigo Causes

This skin infection is highly contagious and can be transmitted in several ways:¹

• If you touch an infected person’s sores or come into contact with the fluid they produce 
• If you have an existing scabies infection, you are at higher risk 
• If you take part in activities that cause cuts, scrapes or bug bites 
• Being in close contact with someone else who has impetigo 
• Touching or wearing an object that has been handled by someone with impetigo, such as clothing, bed linens, toys and towels 
• Other risk factors include having eczema, hygiene issues such as lack of proper hand, face and body washing, and having a weakened immune system

 While impetigo is more common in hot, humid and wet climates, it can appear anywhere.¹

Impetigo Diagnosis and Treatment

A provider will diagnose impetigo by visually examining the sores. Often, lab tests are not needed. However, if the provider can’t tell the difference between streptococcal and staphylococcal non-bullous impetigo, they may take a sample of the bacteria from a sore and send it for testing.

Impetigo can be treated with:¹

• When there are just a few sores: Topical antibiotics applied directly to the sores
• When there are many sores: Oral antibiotics

You should always follow your provider’s exact directions for any prescription.

As you heal, keep the skin clean and avoid itching the rash to prevent scarring. To prevent infecting others, limit interactions where you touch others and never share clothing, towels or beauty products.

When should I see a provider?

Impetigo can be treated with a prescription at home. However, if the infection spreads rapidly, a fever develops or symptoms don’t improve within a few days, you should visit a provider.

If impetigo goes untreated, what are the complications?

Complications may include:¹

• Cellulitis, which is when the infection goes deeper into your skin³
• Rare cases of scarring
• Kidney problems
• Rheumatic fever, which is a disease that impacts the heart, joints, brain and skin

There is also another form of the skin infection known as impetigo herpetiformis, which is a rare and potentially life-threatening dermatosis that occurs in the third trimester of pregnancy.⁴

How can I prevent impetigo?

The following can help you prevent this skin infection in the future:¹

• Proper handwashing: Thoroughly wash both your and your child’s hands frequently – especially after eating and drinking or any time they cough or sneeze – with soap and warm water. If you don’t have access to soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol. There are plenty more reasons why handwashing is important and we’ve compiled them for you.
• Keep wounds clean: Ensure that you clean and care for all minor injuries, cuts, blisters and scrapes immediately.
• Treat insect bites immediately: Don’t wait to clean and put medicine on any bug bites or stings.
• Properly bandage wounds: Clean and cover any open or draining wounds with clean, dry bandages until they heal. You should change bandages daily.
• See a provider for any serious wounds: If you or your child get a deep puncture or more serious wound, see a provider immediately.
• Avoid contact with anyone infected: Because impetigo is transmitted by touching the sores, ensure that you and your children don’t interact with anyone who has this skin infection.
• Protect existing skin infections: Hot tubs, swimming pools and large bodies of water may increase your risk of contracting impetigo.
• Don’t share: If you have someone in your home with impetigo, their clothes, linens and towels should never be shared until they can be washed.

Impetigo in Kids

Children from ages two to six are most at risk for getting this bacterial skin infection. Pay attention to their skin, particularly if there’s been an outbreak at their school or daycare.

When can someone return to school or work?

Once the sores heal, the bacteria is usually not contagious. Those with impetigo can also return to normal activities once they have started an antibiotic, as long as they keep all sores on their exposed skin covered.¹

How to Get Rid of Impetigo in 24 Hours?

While this skin infection usually heals on its own in two or three weeks, it can be embarrassing to have. Your provider may prescribe a topical antibiotic if you have a mild case. This treatment won’t get rid of your sores in 24 hours but will speed up your recovery time.⁵

Impetigo vs. Cold Sores

Impetigo and cold sores can often be confused with one another, as they both cause sores that produce a clear fluid. There are some differences, however.

While impetigo can happen anywhere on your body, cold sores usually only appear around the mouth.

Impetigo causes yellow, crusted sores while cold sores are smaller and red. It can take up to three weeks to heal and may require antibiotics, while cold sores can heal within a week. It’s also important to remember that because cold sores are caused by a virus, antibiotics won’t work on them.

Rashes on your body can come in all sizes and shapes. We’ve put together an informative article about the most common rashes and what causes them.

Impetigo may be painful and look bad for a short time, but it can be treated quite easily. Schedule a visit at your neighborhood MedExpress or just walk in from 8 to 8 for caring and convenient care.

References

1 CDC. About Impetigo. Last updated March 1, 2024. Accessed August 14, 2024.

2 CDC. Clinical Guidance for Group A Streptococcal Impetigo. Last updated March 1, 2024. Accessed August 14, 2024.

3 National Library of Medicine /  National Center for Biotechnology Information. Impetigo, Erysipelas and Cellulitis. Accessed April 30, 2024.

4 National Library of Medicine /  National Center for Biotechnology Information. Impetigo Herpetiformis: Review of Pathogenesis, Complication, and Treatment. Accessed April 30, 2024.

5 National Library of Medicine /  National Center for Biotechnology Information. Impetigo: Research summaries – Impetigo: What can make it go away faster? Accessed April 30, 2024.

6 Healthmatch. The Differences Between Cold Sores And Impetigo. Last updated April 5, 2023. Accessed April 30, 2024.