Impetigo is a common infection of the outermost layer of the skin.

Streptococcus - impetigo; Strep - impetigo; Staph - impetigo; Staphylococcus - impetigo

Impetigo is caused by streptococcus (strep) or staphylococcus (staph) bacteria. Methicillin-resistant staph aureus (MRSA) is an increasing cause.

Skin typically has many types of bacteria on it. When there is a break in the skin, bacteria can enter the body and grow there. This causes inflammation and infection. Breaks in the skin may occur from injury or trauma to the skin or from insect, animal, or human bites.

Impetigo may also occur on the skin, where there is no visible break.

Impetigo is most common in children who live in unhealthy conditions.

In adults, it may occur following another skin problem. It may also develop after a cold or other virus.

Impetigo can spread to others. You can catch the infection from someone who has it if the fluid that oozes from their skin blisters touches an open area on your skin.

Symptoms of impetigo are:

• One or many blisters that are filled with pus and easy to pop. In infants, the skin is reddish or raw-looking where a blister has broken.
• Blisters that itch are filled with yellow or honey-colored fluid and ooze and crust over. Rash that may begin as a single spot but spreads to other areas due to scratching.
• Skin sores on the face, lips, arms, or legs that spread to other areas.
• Swollen lymph nodes near the infection.
• Patches of impetigo on the body (in children).

The goal of treatment is to get rid of the infection and relieve your symptoms.

Your provider will prescribe an antibacterial cream. You may need to take antibiotics by mouth if the infection is severe.

Gently wash (do not scrub) your skin several times a day. Use an antibacterial soap to remove crusts and drainage.

The sores of impetigo heal slowly. Scars are rare. The cure rate is very high, but the problem often comes back in young children.

Impetigo may lead to:

• Spread of the infection to other parts of the body (common)
• Kidney inflammation or failure (rare)
• Permanent skin damage and scarring (very rare)

Contact your provider if you have symptoms of impetigo.

Prevent the spread of infection.

• If you have impetigo, always use a clean washcloth and towel each time you wash.
• Do not share towels, clothing, razors, and other personal care products with anyone.
• Avoid touching blisters that are oozing.
• Wash your hands thoroughly after touching infected skin.

Keep your skin clean to prevent getting the infection. Wash minor cuts and scrapes well with soap and clean water. You can use a mild antibacterial soap.

Published Date: October 13, 2024
Published By: Ramin Fathi, MD, FAAD, Director, Phoenix Surgical Dermatology Group, Phoenix, AZ. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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