What is impetigo?

Impetigo (say "im-puh-TY-go") is a skin infection caused by bacteria. It causes blisters that break open, ooze fluid, and form patches of crusty sores. These patches may look yellow, gold, or brown.

Impetigo can be anywhere on the body. Scratching the sores may spread the infection to other parts of the body. It can also spread to others through close contact or by sharing towels, clothing, and other items.

Prescription antibiotic ointment or pills can usually cure impetigo.

Impetigo begins as sores that form small reddish blisters that break open. The sores are typically not painful, but they may be itchy. They may ooze fluid and form patches of crusty sores that may look yellow, gold, or brown. They may also increase in size and number.

Impetigo is treated with antibiotics. For cases of mild impetigo, a doctor will prescribe an antibiotic ointment or cream to put on the sores. For widespread impetigo or cases of impetigo with many blisters, a doctor may also prescribe antibiotic pills.

If you know someone who has impetigo, try to avoid close contact with that person until the infection has gone away. Do not share towels, sheets, or clothes until the infection is gone. Wash anything that may have touched the infected area.

If you or your child has impetigo, scratching the sores can spread the infection to other areas of your body and to other people. Wash your or your child's hands with soap to help prevent spreading the infection. And cover any blisters that are leaking fluid.

Your doctor can usually diagnose impetigo just by looking at your or your child's skin. Sometimes your doctor will gently remove a small piece of a sore to send to a lab to identify the bacteria. If you or your child has other signs of illness, your doctor may order blood or urine tests.

• Apply antibiotic ointment exactly as instructed.
• If the doctor prescribed antibiotic pills or liquid for your child, give them as directed. Do not stop using them just because your child feels better. Your child needs to take the full course of antibiotics.
• Gently wash the sores with clean water each day. If crusts form, your child's doctor may advise you to soften or remove the crusts. Do this by soaking them in warm water and patting them dry. This can help the cream or ointment work better.
• After you touch the area, wash your hands with soap and water. Or you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Trim your child's fingernails short to reduce scratching. Scratching can spread the infection.
• Do not let your child share towels, sheets, or clothes with family members or other kids at school until the infection is gone.
• Wash anything that may have touched the infected area.
• A child can usually return to school or day care after 24 hours of treatment.

Impetigo is caused by one of two kinds of bacteria—strep (streptococcus) or staph (staphylococcus). Often these bacteria enter the body when the skin has already been irritated or injured because of other skin problems such as eczema, poison ivy, insect bites, burns, or cuts. Children may get impetigo after they have had a cold or allergies that have made the skin under the nose raw. But impetigo can also develop in completely healthy skin.

Impetigo (say "im-puh-TY-go") is a bacterial skin infection. It causes blisters that can break open, ooze fluid, and form patches of sores. These sores can occur anywhere on the body. Impetigo is one of the most common skin infections in children. It also can occur in adults. It's easily spread.