What are the symptoms of impetigo?

Impetigo is a mild infection and can affect any part of the body. Mostly, it affects the nose and mouth or arms or legs.
Symptoms include
- Red, itchy sores
- Leaks pus for a few days
- A yellow-colored scab formed over the sores
There are three types of impetigo
- Nonbullous impetigo: This is the most common form of impetigo caused by Staphylococcus and Streptococcus bacteria. It begins as small red papules that are similar to those of insect bites. These papules enlarge to small blisters and then to pustules that tend to break and form a golden crust. It takes about one week to develop. Sores are painless but itchy.
- Bullous impetigo: This type of impetigo is primarily seen in children and is caused due to S. aureus bacteria. It mainly affects the trunk and is characterized by the formation of blisters (bullae) with a clear yellow liquid, which later turns darker and turbid. Symptoms of fever and swollen glands may be observed with this type of impetigo.
- Ecthyma: This is characterized by a yellow, punched-out rash that extends deep through the skin. The rash is similar to impetigo and is a severe form of impetigo.
Call the doctor immediately, if you observe these
- Sores or rash that becomes more uncomfortable
- In case of ecthyma
What is impetigo?
Impetigo is a contagious superficial bacterial infection of the skin. The two types of bacteria that cause impetigo are Staphylococcus and Streptococcus, and they primarily infect children aged two to five years old. The bacteria infect the skin causing contagious sores. In earlier days, impetigo was known as “impetigo contageosum.”
Who is at risk for getting impetigo?
Individuals associated with the following factors may be at high risk of contracting impetigo
- Age between two to five years
- Hot and humid climate or wet and dry seasons
- Scabies infection
- Close contact with the infected person
- Sharing an infected person’s clothes, towel, bedding or other objects
- Engaged in sports such as wrestling
- Skin problems such as eczema, insect bites or fungal infections
- Suppressed immunity
How is impetigo diagnosed?
The physician diagnoses impetigo based on the clinical appearance of the sores. Lab tests are usually not needed. A gram stain and culture of pus may be done to identify the strain of bacteria. Serologic testing may be recommended to identify the complications of impetigo.

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Eczema Browse our medical image collection of allergic skin disorders such as psoriasis and dermatitis and more caused by allergies See ImagesHow do you get rid of impetigo?
It is recommended to get rid of impetigo as early as possible to prevent the spread of the infection.
Impetigo is a mild infection and it is treatable. Mostly, topical and oral antibiotics are used for treatment. The physician may recommend Bactroban (mupirocin) and Altabax (retapamulin) for topical use.
Physicians may recommend Bactrim (trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole) to treat streptococcal infections and clindamycin or doxycycline to treat staphylococcus infections.
How do you prevent impetigo from spreading?
Preventing impetigo is easy if you takes care of the following things:
- Avoid scratching or touching the sores
- Do not share personal items with anyone and avoid using other’s items
- Avoid contact with newborn babies
- Cover the sores to avoid spreading
- Clean all wounds and cuts with soap and water
- Avoid spending time in hot pools and swimming pools in case of open wounds and infections
- Wash the clothes of an infected person daily
- Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds
- Use an alcohol-based sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable
- Dispose of used tissues in a waste bin
- Cough or sneeze into the upper sleeve or elbow
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Altabax (retapamulin)
Altabax is indicated for use in adults and pediatric patients aged 9 months and older for the topical treatment of impetigo (up to 100 cm2 in total area in adults or 2% total body surface area in pediatric patients aged 9 months or older) due to Staphylococcus aureus (methicillinsusceptible isolates only) or Streptococcus pyogenes. Safety in patients younger than 9 months has not been established.Are Skin Rashes Contagious?
Direct and indirect contact can spread some types of rashes from person to person. Rash treatment depends upon a rash's underlying cause. A rash that sheds large amounts of skin warrants urgent medical attention. Rashes can be either contagious or noncontagious. Noncontagious rashes include seborrheic dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, stasis dermatitis, psoriasis, nummular eczema, drug eruptions, hives, heat rash (miliaria), and diaper rash. Rashes usually considered contagious include molluscum contagiosum (viral), impetigo (bacterial), herpes (herpes simplex, types 1 and 2 viruses), rash caused by Neisseria meningitides (N. meningitides) (bacterial), rash and blisters that accompany shingles (herpes zoster virus), ringworm (fungal) infections (tinea), scabies (itch mite), chickenpox (viral), measles and rubella (viral), erythema infectiosum (viral), pityriasis rosea (viral), cellulitis and erysipelas (bacterial), lymphangitis (bacterial, and folliculitis (bacterial).Children’s Health: 11 Pictures of Common Skin Rashes
What causes skin rashes in children? See which chemicals in your home could be causing your child's skin rash, irritated skin, and eczema. Learn how sunscreens, fabric softener sheets, and pesticides can cause itchy, painful, and red skin.Impetigo
Impetigo is a contagious skin infection caused by staph and strep bacteria. There are two types of impetigo: nonbullous and bullous. Symptoms of nonbullous impetigo include small blisters on the nose, face, arms, or legs and possibly swollen glands. Bullous impetigo signs include blisters in various areas, particularly in the buttocks area. Treatment involves gentle cleansing, removing the crusts of popped blisters, and the application of prescription-strength mupirocin antibiotic ointment.Impetigo Picture
Impetigo is a skin infection caused by staphylococcus aureus bacteria. It generally occurs in children and while sores can appear anywhere on the body, children tend to get them on their face. They start as tiny blisters that break and reveal moist, red skin. After a few days, it gets covered with a grainy, golden crust that gradually spreads at the edges.Is Impetigo Contagious?
Impetigo is a contagious bacterial infection that usually occurs in children ages 2-5. There are two types of impetigo: bullous and nonbullous. With nonbullous impetigo, pus-filled blisters develop, ooze, and crust over on the patient's torso, in contrast with bullous impetigo, which is typically confined to the extremities and the face near the mouth.mupirocin
Mupirocin is an antibiotic that is used topically for the treatment of impetigo, MRSA, and staph infections. The nasal spray may be prescribed for individuals that come into contact with patients infected with MRSA, or other infectious diseases. Side effects are uncommon and mild with mupirocin. The most frequent side effects are burning, stinging, pain, and itching at the area of application.Skin Rash
The word "rash" means an outbreak of red bumps on the body. The way people use this term, "a rash" can refer to many different skin conditions. The most common of these are scaly patches of skin and red, itchy bumps or patches all over the place.Skin Infections
Viruses, bacteria, and fungi can all cause skin infections. What is scabies? Learn about golden staph infections, cellulitis, impetigo, fifth disease, leprosy, and more. See photos of infections like chickenpox, athlete’s foot, and candida, a fungal yeast skin infection.Skin Problems: Contagious Rashes, Bumps, and Blisters
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Impetigo is a bacterial skin infection that causes a rash that forms blisters and can ooze pus, causing a crust. Impetigo can be caused by different kinds of bacteria, including strep and staph. Usually, impetigo is easy to treat and rarely leaves scarring.