What it is
Impetigo is a common, contagious bacterial skin infection, most often in children between two and five. It usually starts around the nose and mouth or on skin that's already broken, like a scrape or a bug bite. It clears quickly with antibiotics and is rarely serious, but it spreads easily to other kids until it's treated.
What you might notice
- Red sores that quickly burst and leave a honey-colored crust
- Itching, and spreading to nearby skin from scratching
- Sometimes larger, fluid-filled blisters
- Usually no fever
What we can do on video
- Diagnose from the appearance on camera
- Prescribe an antibiotic ointment for a few spots, or oral antibiotics for many spots or blisters
- Tell you when they can go back to school, usually 24 hours after antibiotics start, with sores covered
Caring for them at home
- Gently wash the sores with soap and water and cover them loosely
- Wash hands often, and keep towels and washcloths separate
- Keep nails short to limit spread from scratching
- Wash bedding and clothes in hot water
Be seen in person if…
- Fever, or your child seems ill
- Sores spreading fast, getting deeper or more painful
- Redness streaking outward or swelling around the sores
- No improvement after three days of antibiotics
- A baby under two months
- Dark urine or puffiness in the weeks after
This information is educational and doesn't replace an evaluation by a clinician. Hugs is not insurance. Treatment is at the discretion of the clinician and limited to what can be safely assessed over video. Reviewed by the clinicians of LPMD Medical Group. Updated 2026-09-17.