Impetigo - Infected Sores

DEFINITION

• Bacterial skin infection causing 1 or more coin-shaped sores

• Sores smaller than 1 inch in diameter
• Often covered by a soft, yellow-brown scab or crust
• Scabs may intermittently drain pus
• Begin as small red bumps which rapidly change to cloudy blisters, then pimples, and finally open sores which weep
• Increases in size (any sore or wound that grows and doesn't heal is usually impetigo)
• Impetigo often spreads and increases in number from scratching

• Superficial bacterial infections of small breaks in the skin
• The most common bacteria are Staph and Strep

• For mild impetigo (1 or 2 sores), child can attend school or child care if it is covered
• For severe impetigo, child needs to take an oral antibiotic for more than 24 hours before returning to school or contact sports

See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one) If

• It's in a wound, see WOUND INFECTION
• Doesn't look like impetigo, see RASH - LOCALIZED AND CAUSE UNKNOWN

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR

HOME CARE ADVICE FOR MILD IMPETIGO

1. Reassurance:
   • Impetigo is a superficial skin infection that usually starts in a scratch or insect bite.
   • It usually responds to treatment with any antibiotic ointment.
2. Remove Scabs: Soak off the scab using an antibacterial soap and warm water. The bacteria live underneath the scab.
3. Antibiotic Ointment: Apply an antibiotic ointment 3 times per day (no prescription needed).
   • Examples are Bacitracin or Polysporin or one you already have.
   • Cover it with a Band-Aid to prevent scratching and spread.
   • Repeat the washing, ointment and Band-Aid 3 times per day.
4. Avoid Picking: Discourage scratching and picking which spreads the impetigo.
5. Contagiousness:  
   • Impetigo is contagious by skin to skin contact.
   • Wash the hands frequently and avoid touching the sore.
   • For mild impetigo (1 or 2 sores), can attend school or child care if it is covered.
   • For severe impetigo, child needs to take an oral antibiotic for more than 24 hours before returning to school. 
   • Contact Sports: Generally, needs to receive antibiotic treatment for 3 days before returning to the sport. There can be no pus or drainage. Check with team's trainer if there is one.
6. Expected Course: Sore stops growing in 1 to 2 days and skin is healed in 1 week.
7. Call Your Doctor If:
   • Impetigo increases in size after 48 hours on antibiotic ointment
   • New impetigo sore occurs on antibiotic ointment
   • Not completely healed in 1 week
   • Your child becomes worse

And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.