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Treatment with antibiotics can limit the spread of impetigo to others. Keep children home from school or day care until they’re no longer contagious — usually 24 hours after beginning antibiotic treatment.

Symptoms

The main symptom of impetigo is reddish sores, often around the nose and mouth. The sores quickly rupture, discharge for a few days and then form a honey-colored crust. Sores can spread to other areas of the body through touch, clothing and towels. Itching and soreness are generally mild.

When to see a doctor

See your healthcare provider if:

If you suspect that you or your child has impetigo or has any open wound that is not starting to crust in a day or two it is time to see the healthcare provider.

The health care provider will examine the patient and will provide the proper treatment to the patient which may include antibiotic ointments for minor outbreaks to oral medication for more severe outbreaks.

Causes

• Impetigo is caused by bacteria,

• You might be exposed to the bacteria that cause impetigo when you come into contact with the sores of someone who’s infected or with items they’ve touched.

Complications of impetigo may include:

Cellulitis. Kidney problems. Scarring.

Things to know

Impetigo occurs most commonly in children ages 2 to 5.

Keeping skin clean is the best way to keep it healthy. It’s important to wash cuts, scrapes, insect bites and other wounds right away.

To help prevent impetigo from spreading to others:

• Gently wash the affected areas with mild soap and running water and then cover lightly with gauze.

• Wash an infected person’s clothes, linens and towels every day with hot water and don’t share them with anyone else in your family.

• Wear gloves when applying antibiotic ointment and wash your hands thoroughly afterward.

• Cut an infected child’s nails short to prevent damage from scratching.

• Encourage regular and thorough handwashing and good hygiene in general.

• Keep your child with impetigo home until your doctor says they aren’t contagious.

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