Fiducia TogetherImpetigo
A contagious bacterial skin infection. Minor in itself, and it spreads through a class or a care home fast.
Important: This page is general information, not medical advice, and it is not a diagnosis. If you are worried about your health or someone else's, speak to a GP, pharmacist, or call 111. In an emergency, call 999.
What it is
Impetigo is a bacterial infection of the surface of the skin, usually caused by staphylococcus or streptococcus. It is the commonest skin infection in children.
It is highly contagious, by direct contact and by shared towels, flannels and bedding. That is why it matters in schools, nurseries and care settings out of proportion to how serious it is in any one person.
It usually starts where the skin is already broken: eczema, an insect bite, a cold sore, a graze.
Signs you might notice
Red sores or blisters that burst and leave a golden-brown crust, classically around the nose and mouth.
Itching, and occasionally soreness.
Spreading to other areas by scratching and touching.
Bullous impetigo: larger fluid-filled blisters, more often in babies.
Fever and feeling unwell is unusual and suggests something more serious, such as cellulitis.
How it can affect day-to-day life
The practical burden is exclusion: children must stay off school until crusts have dried or 48 hours after starting antibiotics.
In care settings it spreads through shared equipment and inadequate hand hygiene, and outbreaks are avoidable.
Recurrent impetigo usually means an untreated underlying skin condition, most often eczema, and treating the eczema is what stops the cycle.
Supporting someone well
Keep it covered, and do not share towels, flannels, bedding or clothing.
Wash hands after every contact with the sores.
Complete the antibiotic course, whether cream or tablets.
Keep nails short and discourage scratching.
Treat the underlying skin condition, or it will come back.
Exclude from school or nursery until the crusts dry or 48 hours of treatment have passed.
Where to get help
A pharmacist can now treat impetigo in many areas under Pharmacy First, without a GP appointment.
See a GP for widespread infection, for a baby, or if it is not improving.
Fever, spreading redness or feeling unwell needs same-day assessment.
Where to read more
Last reviewed 2026-08-28 by Fiducia Together · Next review due 2027-08-28
Important: This page is general information, not medical advice, and it is not a diagnosis. If you are worried about your health or someone else's, speak to a GP, pharmacist, or call 111. In an emergency, call 999.