Impetigo Quiz
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Rashes
Clear liquid in a blister
Have a fever
Redness of the skin
Itchy
A pimple
There are blisters
Not seeing your symptoms? No worries!
What is Impetigo?
A bacterial infection of the superficial skin layer. Impetigo occurs when bacteria have an entry point into the skin, such as after an insect bite, wound, or scratching.
Typical Symptoms of Impetigo
- Pus-filled blisters or bumps on the skin
- Skin over the entire body is red
- Itchy skin
- Skin problem in area not covered by clothes
- Blisters on the hands and/or feet
- Bumpy rash that appeared, then rapidly spread to the rest of the body
- Skin blisters that break easily
- Scab
Diagnostic Questions for Impetigo
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this disease:
- Do you have pus-filled blisters or bumps on your skin?
- Is your whole body red?
- Do you have itchy skin?
- Are only uncovered parts of your skin affected?
- Are there blisters on your hands and feet?
Treatment of Impetigo
Treatment involves antibiotic creams or pills. Before applying the creams, scabs should be gently removed to allow the creams to reach the infection.
Reviewed By:
Scott Nass, MD, MPA, FAAFP, AAHIVS (Primary Care)
Dr. Nass received dual medical degrees from the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and Charles R. Drew University in Medicine and Science. He completed Family Medicine residency at Ventura County Medical Center with subsequent fellowships at Ventura, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, George Washington University, and University of California-Irvine. He holds faculty appointments at Keck School of Medicine of USC, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, and Western University of Health Sciences.
Yukiko Ueda, MD (Dermatology)
Dr. Ueda graduated from the Niigata University School of Medicine and trained at the University of Tokyo Medical School. She is currently a clinical assistant professor at the Department of Dermatology, Jichi Medical University, and holds several posts in the dermatology departments at Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Komagome Hospital, University of Tokyo, and the Medical Center of Japan Red Cross Society.
Content updated on Mar 31, 2024
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
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People with similar symptoms also use Ubie's symptom checker to find possible causes
- Red bumps with white centers
- Bulging patch of skin
- Pus in the breast
- Smelly bumps
- The skin is itchy and has scratches
- Pus in the chest
- Pus on the back of the neck
- Pus on the scalp
- Skin itching that worsens at night
- Pus on the foot
- Pus on the finger
- Pus on the cervix
- Itch is mild
- Pus in the thigh
- Itching
See full list
Symptoms Related to Impetigo
Diseases Related to Impetigo
FAQs
Q.
Is it impetigo? Why your skin is blistering and medically approved next steps.
A.
Blistering, oozing sores or honey-colored crusts around the nose or mouth often indicate impetigo, a contagious bacterial skin infection, but similar blisters can also result from eczema, contact dermatitis, cold sores, shingles, fungal infections, or autoimmune conditions. There are several factors to consider; see below to understand more. Next steps backed by medical guidance include gently washing and covering lesions, avoiding scratching and shared items, and seeing a clinician promptly for confirmation and antibiotic treatment if needed, while seeking urgent care for fever, severe pain, or rapidly spreading redness.
References:
* Levy, M., & Baum, T. (2019). Impetigo: A clinical review. *Dermatologic Clinics, 37*(2), 225-231.
* Koning, S., & van der Sande, R. (2024). Impetigo. In *StatPearls*. StatPearls Publishing.
* Koning, S., van der Sande, R., & van der Wouden, J. C. (2022). Impetigo: Updates in clinical management. *The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 15*(2), 28-32.
* Zaenglein, A. L., & Khosravi, H. (2020). Bacterial skin and soft tissue infections. *Pediatrics in Review, 41*(4), 185-199.
* Canadian Paediatric Society, Infectious Diseases and Immunization Committee. (2019). Diagnosis and management of impetigo. *Paediatrics & Child Health, 24*(2), e162-e167.
Q.
Burning Tingle? Why Cold Sores Flare & Medically Approved Steps
A.
A burning or tingling around the lips usually signals HSV-1 cold sore reactivation, often triggered by stress, illness, sun exposure, hormonal changes, fatigue, skin trauma, or a weakened immune system, and starting a prescription antiviral at the first tingle can shorten healing and reduce symptoms. There are several factors to consider; see below for medically approved steps on prescription and over-the-counter options, care of the area, pain relief, preventing spread, lowering recurrences, and red flags that mean you should seek medical care, which may guide your next healthcare steps.
References:
* Sawtell NM, Thompson RL. The mechanism of HSV-1 reactivation from latency. J Neurovirol. 2021 Apr;27(2):227-236. PMID: 33716616.
* Nair D, Al-Dujaili SAR, Al-Falah HA, Alshami I. Herpes simplex virus reactivation and lytic infection: a comprehensive review. J Microsc Ultrastruct. 2020 Jul-Sep;8(3):91-96. PMID: 32675662.
* Opstelten W, van Bergen L, Bossen D, Burgers J. Treatment of herpes labialis: A review. Huisarts Wet. 2020 Jan;63:eAB19. PMID: 31958611.
* Worthington HV, Bergmann EE, Rekha S, Walsh T, Preshaw PM, Furness S. Oral antiviral agents for the treatment of recurrent herpes labialis: an update. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018 Aug 24;8(8):CD007551. PMID: 30145292.
* Koyfman F, Elman L, Elman M. Recurrent Herpes Simplex Labialis: a comprehensive review for optimal treatment outcomes. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2020 Jun;19(6):1343-1349. PMID: 32152862.
Q.
Honey-Crusted Sores? Why Your Skin Is Weeping and How to Heal Impetigo
A.
Honey-colored, crusted, weeping sores are most often impetigo, a highly contagious staph or strep skin infection that enters through small breaks and typically improves quickly with prescription topical or, if widespread, oral antibiotics plus careful hygiene. There are several factors to consider that affect spread, when you or your child can return to school, warning signs that need urgent care, and how to prevent recurrence. See below for step-by-step home care, when to see a doctor, and how long it remains contagious so you can choose the right next steps.
References:
* Dagan R. Impetigo: Diagnosis and Treatment. Pediatr Ann. 2020 Jul 1;49(7):e297-e304. doi: 10.3928/19382359-20200618-01. Epub 2020 Jul 1.
* Koning S, van der Sande R, Verhagen AP, van Suijlekom-Smit LWA, Butler CC, van der Wouden JC. Guideline for the management of impetigo. Br J Gen Pract. 2020 Dec;70(701):e899-e908. doi: 10.3399/bjgp20X713725. Epub 2020 Dec 2.
* Nischler E, Feiersinger N, Giner T. Impetigo and Ecthyma. Handb Exp Pharmacol. 2021;269:107-119. doi: 10.1007/164_2020_446.
* Miller L, Silverberg NB. Common pediatric bacterial skin infections. Curr Opin Pediatr. 2021 Aug 1;33(4):427-434. doi: 10.1097/MOP.0000000000001040.
* Stevens DL, Bisno AL, Chambers HF, Dellinger EP, Goldstein EJ, Gorbach SL, Hirschmann OJ, Kaplan EL, Montoya JG, Topal J. Bacterial Skin and Soft Tissue Infections. Infect Dis Clin North Am. 2021 Mar;35(1):151-174. doi: 10.1016/j.idc.2020.10.005. Epub 2020 Nov 28.
Q.
Stubborn Skin Fire? Why Mupirocin Ointment is Your Medically-Proven Fix
A.
Mupirocin ointment is a prescription, targeted antibiotic that treats localized bacterial skin infections like impetigo and infected minor cuts by stopping Staph and Strep from multiplying, often showing improvement in 2 to 3 days with a 5 to 10 day course when used as directed. There are several factors to consider. See below for details on correct application, when it is not appropriate such as fungal or viral rashes, warning signs that need medical care like spreading redness or fever, safety tips, and the next steps if symptoms do not improve.
References:
* Lee, D., & Hwang, K. (2020). Topical mupirocin in the treatment of impetigo: A systematic review and meta-analysis. *International Journal of Dermatology, 59*(11), e398-e406. PMID: 32607736
* Patel, R., & Perumal, N. (2020). Mupirocin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus: a systematic review of the literature. *The Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, 75*(1), 11-19. PMID: 31776510
* Stevens, T. P., & Cohen, B. A. (2020). Current approaches to the treatment of impetigo. *The Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 83*(6), 1629-1638. PMID: 32243750
* Sun, T. T., Zhang, Y. X., Gao, Q., & Li, S. F. (2018). Mupirocin for the prevention of surgical site infections in patients undergoing elective surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis. *International Journal of Surgery, 52*, 298-305. PMID: 29555431
* Bassett, D. C. (2010). Mupirocin: an antibiotic for the treatment of skin and soft tissue infections. *Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy, 11*(13), 2235-2244. PMID: 20687723
Q.
Impetigo in Women: Adult Symptoms & Your 5-Step Healing Plan
A.
Adult impetigo in women is a highly contagious bacterial skin infection that causes red sores or blisters that ooze and form honey-colored crusts, often on the face, hands, legs, or shaved areas; early diagnosis and the right antibiotics usually bring improvement within a few days and clear it in about a week. There are several factors to consider, and the complete 5-step healing plan below explains how to confirm the diagnosis, choose topical or oral antibiotics, care for the skin, prevent spread at home, support recovery, and recognize red flags that need urgent care.
References:
* Hajipour L, O'Neill CA. Common Skin Infections in Adults: A Primary Care Perspective. Med Clin North Am. 2023 Mar;107(2):291-310. doi: 10.1016/j.mcna.2022.09.006. Epub 2022 Dec 2. PMID: 36733220.
* Lee J, Glick S, Sosin M. Bacterial Skin Infections: Impetigo. FP Essent. 2022 Jul;518:23-28. PMID: 35887201.
* Koning S, Verhagen AP, van der Sande R, van Dijke E, Eizema E, van der Loo E, Dekkers A, van der Wouden JC. Impetigo: A Clinical Update. Pediatr Ann. 2022 Feb;51(2):e58-e64. doi: 10.3928/19382359-20220119-01. PMID: 35149301.
* Weinel P, Perrett E, Kroumpouzos G. Current Management of Impetigo. Am Fam Physician. 2018 Nov 15;98(10):588-593. PMID: 30458994.
* May J, Jenkins T, Tan T, Davies S. Treatment of impetigo: a review. F1000Res. 2017 Aug 28;6:1632. doi: 10.12688/f1000research.11894.1. eCollection 2017. PMID: 29037410; PMCID: PMC5615783.
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Link to full study:
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.29.24312810v1References
Johnson MK. Impetigo. Adv Emerg Nurs J. 2020 Oct/Dec;42(4):262-269. doi: 10.1097/TME.0000000000000320. PMID: 33105179.
https://journals.lww.com/aenjournal/Abstract/2020/10000/Impetigo.6.aspxHartman-Adams H, Banvard C, Juckett G. Impetigo: diagnosis and treatment. Am Fam Physician. 2014 Aug 15;90(4):229-35. PMID: 25250996.
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2014/0815/p229.htmlDollani LC, Marathe KS. Impetigo/Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Disease. Pediatr Rev. 2020 Apr;41(4):210-212. doi: 10.1542/pir.2018-0206. PMID: 32238552.
https://publications.aap.org/pediatricsinreview/article-abstract/41/4/210/35401/Impetigo-Staphylococcal-Scalded-Skin-Disease?redirectedFrom=fulltextBrazel M, Desai A, Are A, Motaparthi K. Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome and Bullous Impetigo. Medicina (Kaunas). 2021 Oct 24;57(11):1157. doi: 10.3390/medicina57111157. PMID: 34833375; PMCID: PMC8623226.
https://www.mdpi.com/1648-9144/57/11/1157Pereira LB. Impetigo - review. An Bras Dermatol. 2014 Mar-Apr;89(2):293-9. doi: 10.1590/abd1806-4841.20142283. PMID: 24770507; PMCID: PMC4008061.
https://www.scielo.br/j/abd/a/cpm9SxPg4rwGjq7Qf679Ffq/?lang=en