Impetigo is a common bacterial skin infection that causes red sores or blisters, mostly around the nose and mouth. It is one of the most frequent skin infections seen in Canadian children, though adults can get it too. The good news is that impetigo is very treatable. With the right antibiotics and simple home care, most people recover fully within a week.

What Is Impetigo?

Impetigo is an infection of the outer layer of skin. It is caused by bacteria and spreads easily from person to person. In Canada, it is especially common during the warmer months when children spend more time in close contact with each other at camps, playgrounds, and schools.

The infection creates small red spots that turn into fluid-filled blisters. These blisters eventually burst and form a yellowish-brown crust. The sores are not usually painful, but they can be very itchy. Scratching can spread the infection to other parts of the body.

For more general information on skin infections, visit Health Canada’s official health resource page.

What Causes Impetigo?

Two types of bacteria cause impetigo: Streptococcus (strep) and Staphylococcus (staph). These bacteria live on the skin and in the environment. They usually enter the body through a break in the skin.

Common Entry Points for Bacteria

Bacteria can get in through cuts, scrapes, insect bites, or rashes from conditions like eczema or chickenpox. In children, a cold or seasonal allergies can irritate the skin under the nose, making it easier for bacteria to take hold. However, impetigo can also develop on completely healthy skin in some cases.

Warm, humid weather creates ideal conditions for this infection to spread. Crowded settings — such as daycares, schools, and summer camps — increase the risk for children significantly.

Recognising the Symptoms of Impetigo

Knowing the signs of impetigo early helps you act quickly. The infection can look slightly different depending on the type and stage, but there are clear warning signs to watch for.

Early Signs

The first sign is usually small, red patches of skin. These appear most often around the nose and mouth. Within a short time, these patches develop into fluid-filled blisters. The blisters are typically painless but tend to itch.

As the Infection Progresses

The blisters burst open and release a cloudy or yellowish fluid. After bursting, the sores form a distinctive honey-coloured or golden-brown crust. This crust is one of the most recognisable features of impetigo.

The sores can grow in size and number over time. They range from the size of a small pimple to the size of a coin. Without treatment, the infection can spread to other parts of the body or to other people.

According to the Mayo Clinic’s guide to impetigo symptoms and causes, the honey-coloured crust is a hallmark sign that helps doctors identify the infection quickly.

How Is Impetigo Diagnosed?

A doctor can usually diagnose impetigo by simply looking at the skin. The appearance of the sores is often enough to confirm the infection. No special tests are needed in most cases.

However, in some situations, your doctor may take a small swab from one of the sores. This swab goes to a lab to identify the exact bacteria causing the infection. This helps ensure the right antibiotic is prescribed.

If a child has other symptoms beyond the skin sores, the doctor may also order blood or urine tests. These tests help rule out any complications or deeper infections.

How to Prevent Impetigo From Spreading

Impetigo spreads through direct skin contact and through shared objects. Prevention is straightforward with a few careful habits, especially when someone in the household is already infected.

Avoid direct contact with anyone who has impetigo until their sores have fully healed. Do not share towels, pillowcases, bedding, clothing, or toys with an infected person. If possible, wash any shared items in hot water before using them again.

Protecting Skin From Breaks

Treat cuts, scrapes, and insect bites promptly. Applying an antibiotic ointment to a minor wound can prevent bacteria from entering and reduce the chance of impetigo developing. Keep your child’s nails trimmed short to reduce the damage from scratching.

Hand Hygiene

Good handwashing is one of the most effective ways to stop impetigo from spreading. Encourage children to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially after touching any skin sores. Covering infected areas with loose bandages also helps limit the spread.

Treatment Options for Impetigo

Impetigo responds well to antibiotic treatment. Your family doctor or walk-in clinic provider will recommend the best option based on how widespread and severe the infection is.

Antibiotic Ointments

For mild cases, a prescription antibiotic ointment applied directly to the sores is usually enough. Before applying the ointment, gently wash the affected skin with warm water three times a day. If the sores have crusted over, soak them in warm water for about 15 minutes first. Then gently remove the softened crust with a clean, soft cloth before applying the ointment.

Oral Antibiotics

For more widespread or severe cases, your doctor may prescribe oral antibiotics taken by mouth. Most patients begin to feel better within three days of starting treatment. The sores typically heal completely within one week when the full course of antibiotics is followed.

It is important to finish the entire course of antibiotics, even if the sores look better before you are done. Stopping early can allow the bacteria to return and become harder to treat.

Returning to School or Daycare

Children with impetigo can generally return to school or daycare 48 hours after starting antibiotic treatment. Check with your child’s school or provincial public health guidelines, as policies can vary by province. Most provincial health plans cover doctor visits for conditions like impetigo, so there is no need to delay getting care.

When to See a Doctor

If you notice sores on your child’s skin that look like impetigo, contact your family doctor or visit a walk-in clinic as soon as possible. Early treatment prevents the infection from spreading and helps your child recover faster.

You should seek care promptly if:

The sores are spreading to new areas of the body
The infection does not improve after three to four days of antibiotic treatment
Your child develops a fever
The infected area becomes more swollen, warm, or painful
You notice pus forming around the sores
A newborn or infant has any signs of a skin infection

These signs may suggest the infection has worsened or spread deeper into the skin. Your doctor may need to adjust the antibiotic or investigate further. Always follow your doctor’s advice throughout treatment. As always, consult a healthcare provider before starting any treatment — every person’s situation is different, and what works for one child may not be right for another.

For further reading on bacterial skin conditions, Healthline’s overview of impetigo offers a helpful and easy-to-understand summary.

Frequently Asked Questions About Impetigo

Is impetigo contagious?

Yes, impetigo is highly contagious. It spreads through direct contact with an infected person’s sores or through shared items like towels, clothing, and toys. To prevent spreading impetigo, avoid sharing personal items and wash hands frequently.

How long does impetigo last?

With proper antibiotic treatment, impetigo usually clears up within one week. Without treatment, the infection can persist and spread. Starting antibiotics early is the best way to speed up recovery from impetigo.

Can adults get impetigo?

Yes, adults can get impetigo, though it is much more common in young children. Adults with weakened immune systems or skin conditions like eczema are at higher risk. If you suspect you have impetigo, see your family doctor or visit a walk-in clinic for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Can impetigo go away on its own without antibiotics?

Mild cases of impetigo may eventually resolve on their own, but this can take several weeks. During that time, the infection can spread to other body parts or to other people. Antibiotic treatment speeds up healing and significantly reduces the risk of spreading impetigo.

How do I know if my child has impetigo or something else?

Impetigo has a distinctive appearance: red sores that blister and then form a honey-coloured or golden-brown crust, usually around the nose and mouth. However, other skin conditions can look similar, so a proper diagnosis from a doctor is always recommended. Your family doctor or a walk-in clinic can confirm whether the rash is impetigo.

When can my child go back to school after impetigo?

Most children can return to school or daycare 48 hours after starting antibiotic treatment for impetigo. It is a good idea to check with your child’s school and your provincial public health authority, as guidelines may vary. Make sure sores are covered with loose bandages until they have fully healed.

Key Takeaways

Impetigo is a common bacterial skin infection, most often seen in children.
It is caused by strep or staph bacteria and usually appears as red sores that crust over with a honey-coloured coating.
The infection spreads easily through skin contact and shared personal items.
Antibiotic ointments treat mild cases; oral antibiotics are used for more severe infections.
Most children recover fully within one week of starting treatment.
Children can typically return to school 48 hours after beginning antibiotics.
Good hand hygiene, covering wounds, and avoiding shared items are the best ways to prevent spreading impetigo.
See your family doctor or visit a walk-in clinic if sores are spreading, not improving, or if your child develops a fever.