Impetigo is a skin infection caused by bacteria that spreads easily and results in itchy, fluid-filled bumps. These bumps tend to break open and form a honey-colored crust. The infection happens when bacteria come into contact with broken or irritated skin, like cuts, scrapes, or insect bites.
Healthcare providers typically diagnose impetigo by examining the appearance of the sores. They may sometimes perform a bacterial culture or biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. Once diagnosed, it’s usually treated with either topical treatments or oral antibiotics.
Although anyone can get impetigo, it’s most common in children aged two to five. Around three million people in the U.S. are affected by it each year. Recognizing the symptoms, knowing when to seek medical advice, and understanding treatment options are key to managing impetigo.
Impetigo comes in three types: non-bullous, bullous, and ecthyma, each determined by the sore’s appearance and the bacteria responsible. Identifying the type helps healthcare providers choose the right treatment. Non-bullous impetigo is the most common, caused mostly by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. It appears on irritated skin as small red sores that quickly turn into pus-filled blisters, which then open and form a yellow-brown crust. These lesions are usually small and superficial.
Bullous impetigo, triggered by a toxin produced by certain Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, leads to large, painless blisters. These can appear on the face, buttocks, trunk, or limbs and may involve deeper skin layers, making them more severe and slower to heal.
If impetigo isn’t treated, it can progress to ecthyma, which affects deeper skin layers and causes painful, ulcer-like sores surrounded by inflamed skin. These can lead to scarring and are usually found on the ankles, buttocks, feet, and legs.
The main symptom of impetigo is red, fluid-filled sores that can be itchy and painful, developing a yellow-brown crust. The surrounding skin might be swollen or sore. Commonly found on the face, especially around the mouth and nose, these sores can sometimes burst and expose red, raw skin underneath.
Impetigo spreads through direct contact with infected sores. Children between two and six are more likely to get it, though adults are not exempt. Certain underlying conditions, like eczema or psoriasis, can elevate the risk, and managing these conditions can prevent reappearance.
Diagnosing impetigo generally involves a physical exam, though lab tests might be necessary if the case is severe or recurrent. Antibiotics are the main treatment to cure the infection and stop it from spreading.
Though medical treatment is typically needed, some home remedies like warm baths or compresses can help ease pain and itching while the infection heals. Good hygiene and avoiding skin contact with infected individuals are crucial for prevention.
Most impetigo cases heal without scarring within a week or two. However, if symptoms persist despite treatment, a healthcare provider may prescribe specific antibiotics. Itchiness and discomfort can be managed with warm compresses or by covering the sores to prevent scratching and spreading the infection.
