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Medical Author:

John Mersch, MD, FAAP

John Mersch, MD, FAAP

Dr. Mersch received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, San Diego, and prior to entering the University Of Southern California School Of Medicine, was a graduate student (attaining PhD candidate status) in Experimental Pathology at USC. He attended internship and residency at Children's Hospital Los Angeles.

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Medical Editor:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

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In this Article

• Impetigo facts
• What is impetigo? What causes impetigo?
• What are the types of impetigo, and what are impetigo symptoms and signs? What does impetigo look like?
• Is impetigo contagious?
• How is impetigo diagnosed?
• What is the treatment for impetigo?
• What are possible complications of impetigo?
• Will impetigo leave scars?
• Can impetigo be prevented?
• Patient Comments: Impetigo - Treatment
• Patient Comments: Impetigo - Length Symptoms Lasted
• Find a local Dermatologist in your town
• Impetigo Index

Impetigo is contagious, primarily from direct contact with someone who has it but sometimes from towels, toys, clothing, or household items. Impetigo often spreads to other parts of the body. This is particularly common with impetigo in children. There may be mini epidemics in day-care centers. Bacteria that cause impetigo may enter through a break in the skin, such as that which comes from cuts and scrapes. A common toddler impetigo experience is the development of impetigo at the nasal openings inflamed by the prominent nasal drainage associated with a cold. In this situation, skin integrity is often disrupted by the continuous covering of purulent nasal discharge. Adults often develop impetigo from close contact with infected children. Heat, humidity, and the presence of eczema predispose a person to developing impetigo. Recurrent impetigo infections may be associated with staph or strep bacteria residing in the nose and spreading from to other parts of the skin.

Diagnosing impetigo is generally straightforward and based on the clinical appearance. Occasionally, other conditions may look something like impetigo. Infections such as tinea ("ringworm") or scabies (mites) may be confused with impetigo. It is important to note that not every blister means an impetigo infection. At times, other infected and noninfected skin diseases produce blister-like skin inflammation. Such conditions include herpes cold sores, chickenpox, poison ivy, skin allergies, eczema, and insect bites. Secondary infection of these other skin lesions may sometimes occur. Medical evaluation and occasionally culture tests are used to decide whether topical antibacterial creams will suffice or whether oral antibiotics will be necessary.