Health Library

Impetigo

Impetigo usually starts as a red area of skin that rapidly increases in size. It may form a blister or pus bump or ooze, then quickly crust over or form a scab. There may be mild associated pain or itch.

Impetigo is highly contagious and is easily spread by contact with an infected person or by contact with items that an infected person has been touching or playing with.

Treatment for Impetigo

Topical antibiotics (ointment) and good skin care are common treatments. Occasionally, antibiotics may need to be taken by mouth if the infection is widespread.

• The affected areas should be washed daily with soap or cleanser; soaking with a wet washcloth may help to gently remove crusting, but do not scrub the skin.
• Using an antibacterial soap or cleanser such as chlorhexidine may help minimize transmission of the infection.
• An antibiotic ointment should be applied twice daily or as directed by your healthcare provider.
• When possible, the affected area should be covered with a clean bandage.
• In general, children with impetigo are restricted from school and daycare until they have been on treatment for 24 hours.
• Dilute bleach baths done two to three times a week may be helpful.
• Bleach baths help reduce the bacteria count on your child’s skin. This is helpful in patients with difficult to control or flaring eczema (atopic dermatitis), patients with MRSA or other skin infections, such as impetigo.
• To make bleach baths at home, add a half cup of plain (fragrance-free) Clorox (or other regular bleach) to a full bathtub of water. Allow your child to soak in the bleach bath for 20-30 minutes. After coming out of the bleach bath, rinse well in plain water. After that, apply any moisturizer or topical medication that your doctor has recommended for your child. You may perform bleach baths two to three times per week.
• To make one gallon for dilute bleach soaks, add two teaspoons of plain (fragrance-free) Clorox or other regular bleach to one gallon of water.
• During the summer, swimming in a chlorinated swimming pool for 20 minutes is equivalent to a bleach bath.
• If your child complains of stinging, you can add a half to one cup of kosher salt to the water to help.

Contact your child’s healthcare provider if the impetigo is not improving within two to three days of starting treatment.

Helpful Tips

In addition, the following tips may be helpful:

• Keep your child’s nails short and filed smooth to prevent further skin damage and discourage them from scratching or picking at their skin.
• Encourage your child to wash their hands with soap or use hand sanitizer frequently.
• Wash any cuts or other areas of skin trauma immediately, apply a topical antibiotic twice daily, (double antibiotic or bacitracin, not triple antibiotic ointment) and keep area covered with a clean bandage.
• Wash clothes, linens and towels regularly in hot water and don’t share between family members.