What is impetigo?

Impetigo is an infection of the skin caused by bacteria. This skin  infection typically develops into a red, crusty rash on the face, arms,  and legs. Impetigo is contagious if touched.

What are the symptoms of impetigo?

Your child’s rash may start as a red area on the skin which will later become covered with small fluid-filled bubbles.

The bubbles on your child’s skin may open up and crust over. The crust is usually a golden-yellow color.

On rare occasions, impetigo can lead to problems with the kidneys  that are usually temporary. Please pay close attention to the warning  signs below.

Home care

Your child should be evaluated in our office. Please call our office today for an appointment.

If we have given you a prescription for an antibiotic, fill the prescription right away.

Give the medicine as directed. Your child’s rash will no longer be contagious after she receives two full days of the medicine.

Wash your child’s rash gently with soap and water.

Keep your child’s fingernails short and clean. Try to prevent your child from touching and scratching the rash.

Encourage your child to wash her hands frequently.

Wash your child’s towels daily. Do not let your child share towels while she has the rash since impetigo is contagious.

Warning signs – Call our office for advice if:

Your child’s rash does not get better after 5 days of medicine, Call Our Office Now.

Your child’s rash looks red, swollen or feels hot, Call Our Office Now.

Your child develops a red or purple rash that doesn’t turn pale briefly after pressing it, Call Our Office Now.

Your child develops a fever, please refer to the fever page.

Your child develops puffy eyelids or dark, “cola-colored” urine, Call Our Office Now.

You have any questions or concerns, or if you have any doubts about the severity of your child’s symptoms, Call Our Office Now.