In this Article

• What is impetigo? What causes it?
• What are the types and symptoms of impetigo? 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?
• Patient Discussions: Impetigo - Length Symptoms Lasted
• Impetigo Glossary
• Impetigo Index

What is the treatment for impetigo?

Impetigo is not serious, often goes away on its own, and is easy to treat. Mild cases can be handled by gentle cleansing, removing crusts, and applying the prescription-strength antibiotic ointment mupirocin (Bactroban). More severe or widespread cases, especially of bullous impetigo, may require oral antibiotic medication for impetigo. In recent years, more staph germs have developed resistance to standard antibiotics. Bacterial culture tests can help guide the use of proper oral therapy if needed.

What are possible complications of impetigo?

One potential complication of impetigo caused by strep germs is glomerulonephritis, a kidney condition producing inflammation. Treating the impetigo does not prevent glomerulonephritis from occurring, but this very uncommon and usually causes no lasting kidney damage.

Will impetigo leave scars?

Because the crusts and blisters of impetigo are superficial, impetigo does not leave scars. Affected skin looks red for a while after the crusts go away, but this redness fades in a matter of days to weeks.

Impetigo - Length Symptoms Lasted

The MedicineNet physician editors ask:

How long did the symptoms of your impetigo last? Was there anything in particular that helped with pain/symptom relief?

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