Impetigo: A Common and Contagious Skin Infection

What is impetigo?

Impetigo is a common bacterial skin infection that is very contagious. It mainly affects children but can occur at any age. While it looks alarming, it is generally not serious and responds well to treatment. The main concerns are how easily it spreads and the importance of using the right care.

What causes it

Impetigo is caused by bacteria, usually staphylococcus or streptococcus, entering through a break in the skin. This can be a cut, an insect bite, or skin already irritated by eczema. You can learn more about how these organisms cause illness in bacterial infections explained.

How to recognise it

Impetigo often appears around the nose and mouth but can affect any area. There are two main forms:

• Non-bullous (crusted) impetigo: red sores that quickly burst, leaving golden-brown, honey-coloured crusts.
• Bullous impetigo: larger fluid-filled blisters that may last a little longer before bursting.

The sores are often itchy but not usually painful. They can spread to other parts of the body through scratching.

Treatment options

Impetigo is usually treated to speed recovery and, importantly, to reduce how long it stays contagious. Treatment depends on how widespread it is:

• Localised impetigo: a doctor or pharmacist may recommend an antiseptic or antibiotic cream.
• More widespread or stubborn impetigo: oral antibiotics may be prescribed.

Where oral antibiotics are needed, penicillin-type or other medicines may be used; our Amoxicillin guide and the broader antibiotics range explain some of the options a clinician might consider. As with all antibiotics, finish the full course to clear the infection fully and to help limit antibiotic resistance explained.

Stopping the spread

Because impetigo is so contagious, hygiene is central to managing it:

• Wash hands regularly, especially after touching affected skin
• Avoid scratching or touching the sores
• Do not share towels, flannels, bedding or cutlery
• Keep fingernails short and clean
• Wash affected areas gently and pat dry

Children should usually stay off school or nursery until the sores have crusted over and dried, or until 48 hours after starting antibiotic treatment. Adults should follow similar advice for work.

When to see a doctor or pharmacist

Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if:

• You think you or your child has impetigo, to confirm the diagnosis and arrange treatment
• The sores are spreading or not improving after treatment
• Impetigo keeps coming back
• The person is unwell, feverish, or in pain

Seek more urgent advice if the surrounding skin becomes very red, hot and swollen, which could suggest a deeper infection.

Preventing future episodes

Good wound care basics, promptly cleaning and covering cuts and bites, and managing skin conditions such as eczema all help reduce the risk of impetigo returning. If reinfection is a recurring problem, your doctor can advise on additional steps.

General information only — not medical advice. Always read the patient information leaflet and consult a doctor or pharmacist before starting any medication.