Impetigo
- Typical age
- 2–5 years most common
- Where
- around nose, mouth, hands
- Fever
- no
- Itchy
- mild
- Contagious
- Yes
- Usually lasts
- Clears in about a week with treatment
What it looks like
Red sores that burst and form golden, honey-coloured crusts, often around the nose and mouth.
On brown and black skin, redness may look purple, grey or darker than surrounding skin; texture (raised, rough, blistered) is often the better clue.
What causes it
Staph or strep bacteria entering broken skin, like a scratch or eczema patch.
What helps at home
- See your pediatrician: it usually needs antibiotic cream or medicine.
- Keep sores clean and covered; wash towels separately.
- Keep nails short to stop spread.
When to call about impetigo
Call 911 or go to the ER now
- Fever with fast-spreading redness or swelling
- Rash that does not fade when you press a clear glass against it (possible petechiae or purpura)
- Baby under 3 months with a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
Call your pediatrician today
- Any honey-crusted sores (needs assessment)
- Spreading despite treatment
General guidance based on AAP, NHS and CDC advice, not a diagnosis. If your gut says something is wrong, call your pediatrician or nurse line. You never need permission to seek care.
Questions parents ask
When can my child go back to daycare with impetigo?
The NHS advises staying home until sores have crusted and healed or 48 hours after starting antibiotics.
Rashes often confused with impetigo
- Hand, foot and mouth disease · mouth, hands, feet