Impetigo is a skin infection that is very contagious but not usually serious. It often gets better between seven and ten days if treated. Anyone can get it, but it is most common in young children.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
Impetigo starts with red sores or blisters. They quickly burst and leave crusty, golden-brown patches. These can:
- look a bit like cornflakes stuck to your skin
- get bigger
- spread to other parts of the body
- be itchy
- sometimes be painful.
Sores (non-bullous impetigo) or blisters (bullous impetigo) can start anywhere, but usually on exposed areas such as the face and hands. It is also common for blisters to start around the tummy.
HOW IS IT TREATED?
Impetigo is very infectious, so check with a GP before going into the practice. The doctor may suggest a phone consultation.
- A GP will check it is not something more serious, such as cellulitis. If it is impetigo, they can prescribe antibiotic cream to speed up recovery, or antibiotic tablets if it is very bad.
- If the impetigo keeps coming back, a GP can take a swab from around the nose to check for the bacteria that causes it. They may prescribe an antiseptic nasal cream to try to clear the bacteria and stop the impetigo coming back.
HOW DO YOU STOP IMPETIGO SPREADING?
Impetigo can easily spread to other parts of the body or to other people until it stops being contagious.
It stops being contagious:
- 48 hours after taking the prescribed medicine
- when the patches dry out and crust over (if left untreated).
- While the impetigo is still contagious:
- keep the child away from nursery or school
- keep sores, blisters and crusty patches clean and dry
- cover them with loose clothing or gauze bandages
- wash hands frequently
- wash flannels, sheets and towels at a high temperature
- wash or wipe down toys with detergent and warm water
- do not touch or scratch sores, blisters or crusty patches – this also helps stop scarring
- do not have close contact with children or people with diabetes or a weakened immune system
- do not share flannels, sheets or towels
- do not prepare food for other people.
HOW DO YOU AVOID GETTING IMPETIGO?
Impetigo usually infects skin that is already damaged. You can avoid infection by:
- keeping cuts, scratches and insect bites clean – for example, by washing with warm water and soap
- getting treatment for other skin conditions, such as eczema.
Adapted from the NHS website, www.nhs.uk
