Impetigo is one of the most common skin infections in young children, and it’s easy to spot once you know the telltale signs. But what trips some parents up is that impetigo mimics other rashes in its early stages, so it’s easy to second-guess what you’re looking at.
At Amory Urgent Care, we can quickly diagnose spreading, crusting rashes like impetigo and begin same-day treatment without an appointment.
Understanding impetigo
Impetigo can happen when bacteria get past the skin’s surface and settle in. All it takes is a small opening, like a scratch or an insect bite, and the infection can spread across the skin from there, according to the Mayo Clinic. It’s the most common bacterial skin infection in children between two and five, though anyone can get it.
Most cases are mild and respond well to treatment, but you shouldn’t leave impetigo alone, partly because it’s so contagious and partly because an untreated infection can occasionally lead to complications. The face is the usual site, especially around the nose and mouth, though the arms and legs get it too.
What impetigo looks like
The clearest sign of impetigo is a group of small red sores, most often around the nose and mouth. The sores rupture and leak fluid within 24-48 hours, forming a crust. Its characteristic golden appearance is what most characterizes impetigo.
The rash is usually itchy, which is where a lot of the spreading comes from. Kids scratch a sore, then touch another patch of skin or another child before anyone notices, and the bacteria travel with them. Keeping their little hands away from the sores will go a long way toward slowing things down.
Non-bullous impetigo
This is the common form, making up around 70% of cases, and it’s the one with the golden crusts around the nose and mouth. It often starts on skin that was already broken by a scrape or a bug bite, which is why it overlaps so much with infected bug bites in kids.
Bullous impetigo
Bullous impetigo is rarer and turns up mostly in newborns and very young children. Instead of crusty sores, it produces larger fluid-filled blisters that look see-through or yellowish before they burst. These blisters are fragile and can spread across a wider area quickly, so this form is worth having looked at sooner rather than later.
The causes of impetigo
The cause is bacterial, and the two usual culprits are staph and strep. What surprises people is how small an opening they need. A minor cut or an irritated patch of eczema is enough of an opening, and once the bacteria are in, the infection does the rest.
This is why impetigo spreads so fast in daycares and classrooms. Kids with sensitive or already-broken skin are the most susceptible, though any child can pick it up when the conditions line up.
What makes impetigo contagious
Impetigo spreads through direct contact with the sores or the fluid inside them, and anything that fluid touches, including clothing, washcloths and sheets, can pass it to the next person. The bacteria can also linger on surfaces for a while, so handwashing and covering sores matter a great deal while your child heals.
On a positive note, treatment quickly halts the transmission period. According to Cleveland Clinic, most children are no longer contagious after about 48 hours on antibiotics, as long as the sores are covered or already healing. Until then, it’s best to keep your child at home.
A couple of habits make a real difference in the meantime:
- Keep the sores loosely covered so your child don’t try to touch them.
- Wash their hands often, especially after any contact with the affected area of skin.
- Set aside any separate towels, washcloths and bedding until the infection has had time to clear.
Treating impetigo
Amory Urgent Care treats impetigo with antibiotics; the exact kind we use depends on how widespread the condition is. For a mild or contained case, a prescription antibiotic cream applied straight to the sores is usually enough on its own. Mupirocin is one of the most common choices, applied a few times a day for about a week, according to MedlinePlus. When the sores are more widespread, an oral antibiotic can work better because it treats the infection from the inside.
Either way, it’s important to finish the full course even after the skin looks better, since stopping early gives the infection room to return.
When you come to see us at Amory, we’ll also give you advice for your home care routine, starting with keeping the area clean. Gently wash with mild soap and warm water before each application to loosen the crusts so the medicine can reach the skin underneath, then pat dry and wash your hands afterward.
Home care tips
Beyond keeping the area clean and lightly covered, short and clean fingernails go a long way, since they limit the damage when your child does scratch. Most kids show real improvement within a few days of starting treatment, and the sores usually heal within about two weeks.
If you’re not seeing any change in that period, that’s your cue to check back in with our team.
When to visit urgent care for impetigo
Impetigo can be tricky to handle. Although some cases do resolve on their own, it’s almost always better to get an accurate diagnosis so that you know what you’re dealing with for sure. A fever alongside the rash can mean the infection has moved beyond the skin, and that’s a reason to come in and get it checked by our team.
Sores that keep spreading after a couple of days of treatment are another flag, since that can mean the antibiotic isn’t the right match and the prescription needs adjusting. A large or fast-growing patch is worth getting seen for sooner, too. And if your child keeps getting impetigo, we can help you figure out why it keeps circling back, since repeat infections sometimes point to something else worth addressing.
Frequently asked questions
Can adults get impetigo from a child?
Yes, it spreads through contact with the sores or their fluid, so caregivers are certainly at risk. Anyone with broken or sensitive skin can catch impetigo easily, though healthy adults are less susceptible than young children. Covering the sores and washing hands often keeps it from spreading throughout the household.
How long is impetigo contagious after starting antibiotics?
Children are generally less contagious 24 to 48 hours after starting treatment, provided their sores are covered or healing. You should still finish the full course; leaving it early could cause the infection to relapse or spread.
Can impetigo leave scars?
Usually not. After the doctor treats the infection, the sores and crusts will heal without issue. Scratching or picking can lead to a permanent mark, so it’s best to prevent your child from touching the area as it heals.
Is impetigo the same as a cold sore?
No, though they can look alike around the mouth. Cold sores come from the herpes simplex virus, while impetigo is a bacterial infection from staph or strep. Because they’re easy to confuse, getting the right diagnosis matters before starting any treatment.
Visit Amory Urgent Care for impetigo treatment
Should your child develop a rash that is crusting or spreading, Amory Urgent Care is here to provide an examination and a clear diagnosis. Our team sees kids every day, and we do our best to make the visit easy on you and your child.
Walk in at your convenience; no appointment is required. Amory Urgent Care is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 906 Hwy. 278. Bring your child and come see us today.