Impetigo – Symptoms and Causes

Overview

Impetigo is a highly infectious skin condition primarily affecting babies and young children. The infection causes red sores that usually start on the face, especially near the mouth and nose, and may spread to the hands and feet.

These sores eventually burst and form distinctive golden-yellow crusts after about one week. The condition spreads easily through direct contact with affected areas.

Antibiotic treatment is essential to prevent the spread of infection to others. Children with impetigo should stay home from school or childcare until they are no longer contagious, usually 24 hours after starting antibiotics.

Good hygiene, like regular handwashing and short fingernails, helps prevent impetigo’s spread among family and classmates.

Signs and Symptoms

Fluid-Filled Blisters

Fluid-filled blisters typically appear on the trunk, arms, and legs of babies and toddlers under 2 years old.

These blisters are larger than regular impetigo sores and are a key feature of this form. The blisters may burst open and leave a thin, flat crust behind.

Deep Skin Sores

This more severe form creates painful sores filled with fluid or pus that penetrate deeper into the skin.

These sores can develop into deep ulcers that take longer to heal and may leave scars. They often occur on the legs, ankles, or feet.

The initial symptoms include reddish sores, commonly around the nose and mouth. These sores quickly break open, release fluid for several days, and then form a golden-yellow crust.

The sores can spread to other body areas through direct contact, shared clothing, or towels. Most people experience mild itching and soreness with these sores.

When to See a Doctor

If you think you or your child might have impetigo, it’s important to speak with a healthcare provider. Contact your:

• Family doctor
• Child’s pediatrician
• Dermatologist

A medical professional can properly diagnose the condition and recommend appropriate treatment.

Causes

Impetigo develops due to bacterial infections, primarily from staphylococcal bacteria. This condition spreads through direct contact with infected sores or by touching items contaminated by someone with the infection.

Common transmission routes include:

• Contact with an infected person’s sores
• Handling contaminated personal items (clothing, bedsheets)
• Using shared towels or linens
• Touching toys or objects handled by infected individuals

Risk Factors

Several factors can increase your chance of getting impetigo:

• Age range: Children between 2 and 5 years old get impetigo most often.
• Crowded environments: The infection spreads easily in schools, daycare centers, and during contact sports.
• Weather conditions: Warm, humid weather makes impetigo infections more common.
• Skin damage: Bacteria can enter through small cuts, insect bites, or rashes.
• Existing health issues: People with these conditions face a higher risk:
  • Children with eczema
  • Older adults
  • People with diabetes
  • Those with weakened immune systems

Impetigo bacteria spread easily among families and in close-contact environments.

Possible Problems

Impetigo is usually mild and heals without leaving marks. However, in rare cases, some serious issues may develop:

• Skin Layer Infection: A dangerous infection called cellulitis can spread beneath the skin to lymph nodes and bloodstream.
• Kidney Damage: Certain bacteria causing impetigo might harm kidney function.
• Permanent Marks: Deep impetigo sores (ecthyma) may leave lasting scars after healing.

Most people recover from impetigo without these problems, especially when treatment starts early.

Prevention

Good skin hygiene helps prevent impetigo from spreading. Always wash wounds, cuts, and insect bites immediately to keep skin healthy.

To stop impetigo from affecting others:

• Wash affected skin gently with mild soap and running water.
• Cover the area lightly with gauze.
• Launder an infected person’s clothes, towels, and bedding daily in hot water.
• Don’t share these items with family members.
• Use gloves when applying antibiotic ointments.
• Wash your hands thoroughly afterward.

Keep an infected child’s fingernails short to prevent scratching. Also, teach children proper handwashing and good hygiene habits.

Children with impetigo should stay home from school or daycare until they are no longer contagious. A healthcare provider will determine when they are no longer contagious.