Impetigo is a common skin condition that mainly affects young children, but adults can get it too. It shows up as red sores, blisters, or yellowish crusts — often around the nose, mouth, or hands. Though it can look unpleasant, it’s usually not serious. However, many people worry about one big question: Is impetigo contagious?
This article will help you understand the causes of impetigo, how it spreads, what the symptoms look like, and how you can treat and prevent it.
What Is Impetigo?
Impetigo is a type of bacterial skin infection. It’s one of the most common contagious skin infections in children. There are two types:
- Non-bullous impetigo: The most common type, causing red sores that burst and form a golden crust.
- Bullous impetigo: Less common, but leads to larger blisters filled with fluid.
Though impetigo is more common in warm weather, it can happen at any time of year.
Causes of Impetigo
The infection is caused by bacteria, mainly Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. These germs live on the skin or in the nose and usually don’t cause problems. But if the skin gets cut, scratched, or damaged (from eczema, insect bites, or other skin conditions), the bacteria can enter and cause an infection.
Poor hygiene, close contact in schools or nurseries, and warm or humid conditions make it easier for the bacteria to spread. That’s why impetigo is often seen in younger children.
Is Impetigo Contagious?
Yes, impetigo is contagious. It can spread through:
- Skin-to-skin contact
- Sharing towels, clothing, or bedding
- Touching infected sores and then touching other parts of the body
This is why it’s important to treat impetigo infections quickly and avoid close contact with others until the sores have healed or for at least 48 hours after starting antibiotic treatment.
It can also spread within the body. For example, scratching the infected area and then touching another part of the skin can lead to new sores appearing there.
Symptoms of Impetigo
The symptoms of impetigo usually appear 4 to 10 days after coming into contact with the bacteria. Common signs include:
- Red spots that quickly turn into blisters
- Blisters that burst and leave a yellow-brown crust
- Itchy or sometimes painful sores
- Sores usually around the nose, mouth, hands, or legs
- In bullous impetigo, larger fluid-filled blisters that may leave raw skin when they burst
- In some cases, mild swelling of the nearby glands may also occur.
Impetigo Treatment
Impetigo treatment usually involves:
- Antibiotic creams or ointments applied to the skin for mild cases
- Oral antibiotics if the infection is widespread or not improving
It’s important to follow our pharmacist’s instructions and complete the full course of treatment. Keeping the infected area clean and dry will also help with healing.
Children with impetigo should stay away from school or nursery until they are no longer infectious, usually 48 hours after starting antibiotics or once the sores have fully dried.
Impetigo Prevention
You can reduce the risk of getting or spreading impetigo with a few simple steps:
- Wash hands regularly with soap and water.
- Avoid sharing towels, flannels, clothes, or bed linen.
- Keep nails short and clean to avoid scratching.
- Cover any cuts, grazes, or eczema patches with a plaster.
- Clean any insect bites or skin injuries promptly.
- If someone in your household has impetigo, wash their bedding and clothes separately in hot water.
Worried About a Skin Infection?
If you notice sores, blisters, or crusts on your or your child’s skin, it’s best to get them checked. Early treatment can stop the infection from spreading and make symptoms easier to manage. Book your appointment for expert advice and the right treatment for impetigo at Pharmacy To My Door.
