Impetigo

Summary

Impetigo is a skin infection caused by bacteria. It is usually caused by staphylococcal (staph) bacteria, but it can also be caused by streptococcal (strep) bacteria. It is most common in children between the ages of two and six. It usually starts when bacteria get into a break in the skin, such as a cut, scratch, or insect bite.

Symptoms start with red or pimple-like sores surrounded by red skin. These sores can be anywhere, but usually they occur on your face, arms and legs. The sores fill with pus, then break open after a few days and form a thick crust. They are often itchy, but scratching them can spread the sores.

Impetigo can spread by contact with sores or nasal discharge from an infected person. You can treat impetigo with antibiotics.

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

Find an Expert

• American Academy of Dermatology American Academy of Dermatology
• National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
• National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases

Patient Handouts

• Ecthyma Medical Encyclopedia
• Impetigo Medical Encyclopedia

Related Issues

• Group A Streptococcal Infections National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
• Staph Infections Nemours Foundation

Teenagers

• Impetigo Nemours Foundation

Start Here

• Impetigo Nemours Foundation
• Impetigo VisualDX
• Impetigo American Academy of Pediatrics

Children

• Impetigo Nemours Foundation

Treatments and Therapies

• Impetigo Care American Academy of Pediatrics
• Impetigo: Tips for Treatment and Prevention American Osteopathic Association

Journal Articles

• Impetigo