A contagious skin infection that primarily affects children but can occur in people of all ages.
Impetigo is a highly contagious bacterial skin infection that most commonly affects young children, though people of any age can develop it. It typically appears as clusters of red sores or blisters, especially around the mouth and nose, but it can occur anywhere on the body. Although impetigo is usually mild, it can spread quickly and requires proper treatment to prevent complications.
What Causes Impetigo?
Impetigo is caused by bacteria that infect the top layers of the skin. The two main organisms responsible are:
- Staphylococcus aureus (Staph) The most frequent cause of impetigo and responsible for many skin infections.
- Streptococcus pyogenes (Strep) Sometimes acts alone or in combination with Staph bacteria to produce symptoms.
These bacteria can enter the skin through small cuts, insect bites, or areas of irritation like eczema. Impetigo spreads easily through:
- Direct skin-to-skin contact
- Touching contaminated items such as towels, bedding, clothing, or toys
- Scratching or picking at existing sores, which can spread the infection to new areas
Symptoms of Impetigo
The symptoms commonly begin a few days after exposure and can progress quickly. Key signs include:
- Red Sores or Blisters Small red spots develop first, which then turn into fluid-filled blisters. These blisters may enlarge and become cloudy.
- Honey-Colored Crusts As the blisters break open, they leave behind a yellow or golden crust on the skin one of the most recognizable features of impetigo.
- Raw or Eroded Skin Under the crusts, the skin may appear tender, red, and slightly moist.
- Itching or Mild Pain The lesions may itch intensely, and scratching can worsen the infection or spread it.
- Swollen Lymph Nodes Nearby glands may swell in response to the infection.
- Rash Spread Additional sores can develop beyond the original site if the bacteria spread.
- Fever (occasionally) More severe cases may include low-grade fever and feeling unwell.
Treatment and Management
Impetigo is generally easy to treat with the right approach. Management typically includes:
- Topical antibiotics for mild, localized infections
- Oral antibiotics for more widespread cases or when topical treatment fails
- Keeping the area clean, gently washing away crusts
- Avoiding scratching to prevent spreading
- Good hygiene practices, such as not sharing towels or linens
While impetigo is usually a superficial infection, untreated cases can lead to complications, so medical evaluation is recommended if symptoms appear.
