Impetigo: What It Is, How It Spreads, and When to Get Treatment

What Is Impetigo?

Impetigo is a common bacterial skin infection caused by Staphylococcus or Streptococcus bacteria. It often starts as small red sores that can break open, ooze, and form a yellow or honey-colored crust.

Impetigo is most common in:

• Children

• Athletes

• People with cuts or insect bites

• Anyone with irritated or broken skin

Because it spreads easily, early treatment is important.

Common Symptoms of Impetigo

Impetigo usually appears around the nose, mouth, arms, or legs, but it can occur anywhere on the body.

Symptoms may include:

• Red sores or blisters

• Honey-colored crust on the skin

• Itching

• Mild pain or irritation

• Skin that looks raw after crust falls off

• Rash that spreads to nearby areas

In children, impetigo can spread quickly from scratching or touching the sores.

How Impetigo Spreads

Impetigo is very contagious and spreads through skin contact or shared items.

It can spread by:

• Touching the rash

• Scratching the skin

• Sharing towels or clothing

• Contact sports

• Close contact at school or daycare

Because of this, many schools and camps require treatment before returning.

When to See a Provider for Impetigo

You should seek medical care if:

• The rash is spreading

• There is yellow crusting

• Over-the-counter creams are not helping

• The skin looks infected

• The child cannot return to school due to the rash

• There is pain, swelling, or redness around the sores

Impetigo usually requires prescription treatment to clear completely.

How Impetigo Is Treated

Treatment depends on how severe the infection is.

Your provider may prescribe:

• Antibiotic ointment

• Oral antibiotics

• Skin cleansing instructions

• Medication to reduce itching

Most patients improve within a few days after starting treatment, but it is important to finish all medication to prevent the infection from coming back.

How to Prevent Impetigo from Spreading

To avoid spreading the infection:

• Wash hands often

• Do not scratch the sores

• Keep the rash clean and covered

• Do not share towels or clothing

• Keep fingernails short in children

• Stay home until treatment has started

Early treatment helps prevent spreading to family members or classmates.

Impetigo Treatment at EZMED Urgent Care

At EZMED Urgent Care, we treat impetigo and other skin infections quickly so you don’t have to wait days for an appointment.

We offer:

• Same-day visits

• Evaluation of rashes and skin infections

• Prescription antibiotics if needed

• Care for children and adults

• Fast return-to-school clearance when appropriate

If you notice a rash that looks like impetigo, getting treatment early can help it heal faster and prevent it from spreading.

Walk in today to EZMED Urgent Care for fast treatment of impetigo and other skin infections.