Impetigo: What It Is, How It Spreads, and What Treatments Actually Work
When you see red, oozing sores on your child’s face or your own arms, it might be impetigo, a highly contagious bacterial skin infection caused mainly by Staphylococcus or Streptococcus bacteria. Also known as school sores, it’s one of the most common skin infections in children but can happen to anyone, especially with cuts, insect bites, or eczema. It doesn’t just look bad—it spreads fast through touch, towels, or shared toys. And while it’s usually not dangerous, leaving it untreated can lead to deeper infections or scarring.
What makes impetigo tricky is how easily it hides. It often starts as a small red spot that turns into a blister, then bursts and forms a honey-colored crust. Some people get it around the nose and mouth; others see it on their arms or legs. It’s not just about appearance—bacterial skin infection, a condition triggered by bacteria breaking through the skin’s natural barrier—it’s about timing. The sooner you treat it, the less likely it is to spread to family members or classmates. And treatment isn’t always pills. Topical antibiotics like mupirocin often work just as well as oral ones, especially for mild cases. But if it’s widespread or doesn’t improve in a few days, you need stronger options. antibiotic treatment, the standard medical approach to kill the bacteria causing the sores must be completed fully, even if the sores look gone. Stopping early invites resistance and return trips to the doctor.
People often confuse impetigo with other rashes—like eczema flare-ups, ringworm, or even poison ivy. But impetigo has a signature look: sticky, golden crusts over raw skin. It’s also the only common skin infection that spreads so easily in daycare centers, sports teams, and households. That’s why hygiene matters more than you think. Washing hands often, not sharing towels, and keeping sores covered aren’t just good habits—they’re the first line of defense. And if someone in your home has it, cleaning doorknobs, toys, and bedding helps break the chain.
What you’ll find below isn’t just a list of articles. It’s a practical toolkit. You’ll see real advice on how to handle impetigo at home, what over-the-counter products help or hurt, how to prevent it from coming back, and how to tell when it’s time to see a doctor. Some posts dive into how antibiotics work on the skin, others show you how to clean wounds safely, and a few explain why some people keep getting it while others don’t. No fluff. No theory. Just what works, based on what patients and doctors actually do.
