How Is Impetigo Diagnosed?
In most cases, doctors can diagnose impetigo based on how the rash looks. Occasionally,
they may need to take a sample of fluid from blisters for testing.
How Is Impetigo Treated?
Impetigo is typically treated with antibiotics, either as an ointment or a medicine
taken by mouth:
- When it just affects a small area of the skin (and especially if it's the non-bullous
form), impetigo is treated with antibiotic ointment for 5 days.
- If the infection has spread to other areas of the body or the ointment isn't working,
the doctor may prescribe an antibiotic pill or liquid to be taken for 7–10 days.
After antibiotic treatment begins, healing should start within a few days. It's
important to make sure that you take the medicine as prescribed. Otherwise, a deeper
and more serious skin infection could develop.
While the infection is healing, gently wash your skin with clean gauze and antiseptic
soap every day. Soak any areas of crusted skin with warm soapy water to help remove
the layers of crust (you don't have to remove all of it).
To keep impetigo from spreading to other parts of the body, the doctor or nurse
will probably recommend covering infected areas with gauze and tape or a loose plastic
bandage. Keep your fingernails short and clean to prevent scratching that could lead
to a worse infection.
Can Impetigo Be Prevented?
Keeping skin clean can help prevent impetigo. Wash your hands well and often and
take baths or showers
regularly. Pay special attention to skin injuries (cuts, scrapes, bug bites, etc.),
areas of eczema, and rashes such as poison ivy. Keep these areas clean and covered.
To prevent impetigo from spreading among family members, everyone should use their
own clothing, sheets, razors, soaps, and towels. When these items get dirty, wash
them separately in very hot water. Using paper towels instead of cloth towels also
can help keep the infection from spreading to others. Sharing makeup is never a good
idea but even more risky if you have impetigo.
When Should I Call the Doctor?
Call the doctor if you have signs of impetigo, especially if you've been around
a family member, friend, or classmate with the infection.
Keep an eye on the sores and call the doctor if the skin doesn't begin to heal
after 3 days of treatment or you develop a fever. If the area around the rash becomes
red, warm, or tender to the touch, call your doctor right away.