Impetigo

Impetigo is a common, contagious bacterial skin infection that causes red sores with honey colored crusts. It is most common in children ages 2 to 5. Impetigo clears quickly with antibiotic treatment.

What Is It

Impetigo is caused by staph or strep bacteria entering through scratches, bug bites, or eczema. It spreads easily by touch, shared towels, and toys. It is common in daycare and in late summer. Adults who play contact sports can also get it.

Symptoms

Red sores, often around the nose and mouth
Sores that burst and leave honey colored crusts
Itching
Fluid filled blisters in some children
Sores that spread to other areas with scratching
Swollen glands nearby

Not sure it’s impetigo? Eczema causes dry, itchy patches that can become infected with impetigo. Spreading redness and warmth without crusts may be cellulitis.

Treatment

At your visit: Impetigo is diagnosed by how the sores look. A few sores are treated with a prescription antibiotic ointment. Widespread impetigo is treated with antibiotic pills. Eczema or bites can let the bacteria in.

At home:

Gently wash crusts with soap and water before each ointment dose
Cover sores loosely with gauze
Keep fingernails short to limit scratching
Wash towels, pillowcases, and toys, and do not share them

Impetigo usually clears within 7 to 10 days of treatment.

When to Get Care for Impetigo

Watch at Home

A single small sore that is healing
No fever, and the sore is not spreading

Come to Urgent Care Today

Sores with honey colored crusts
Sores spreading to new areas
Sores not improving after 3 days of treatment
Fever or swollen glands with the sores
Impetigo in a baby or newborn

Go to the Emergency Department

Fever with large areas of red, peeling skin that looks scalded
Cola colored urine or swelling of the face weeks after impetigo
A very sick child with fever and a spreading rash

FAQ

What does impetigo look like?

Impetigo looks like red sores that burst and form honey colored crusts, often around the nose and mouth. Some children have fluid filled blisters instead.

Is impetigo contagious?

Impetigo is very contagious through touch, towels, and toys. It stops being contagious about 24 hours after starting antibiotics, or when the sores crust over and heal.

When can my child go back to school with impetigo?

A child with impetigo can usually return to school or daycare 24 hours after starting antibiotic treatment, with the sores covered.

What causes impetigo?

Impetigo is caused by staph or strep bacteria that enter through broken skin, like scratches, bug bites, or eczema. It spreads easily among young children.

Can urgent care treat impetigo?

Yes, urgent care can diagnose and treat impetigo. Vitality Urgent Care sees children and adults without an appointment. No appointment or referral is needed.

Can adults get impetigo?

Yes, adults can get impetigo, most often from close contact with children or contact sports. It looks and is treated the same way as in children.

Last reviewed October 2026