After a few days, the blisters will turn into into brownish crusted areas. The sores are most commonly found around the mouth or nose, but they may also occur on other areas of the body such as the arms and hands.

The blisters in bullous impetigo may be found on the chest, abdomen, and diaper area of young children and babies. [5] X Trustworthy Source DermNet NZ Online clinical resource website written and run by dermatologists providing evidence-based information about dermatology and skin health Go to source

Ecthyma is sometimes called “deep impetigo” because its symptoms are similar to other types of impetigo, but they occur deeper into the skin. Look for small, red-bordered blisters. These blisters are often filled with pus and may look like they’re very deep in the skin. After the blisters burst, you will see ulcers with thick, brownish-black crusts. [7] X Research source This type of impetigo is much more painful. The ulcers from ecthyma will look “punched out” (well defined) around the borders, and the surrounding skin is often red and calloused. [8] X Trustworthy Source DermNet NZ Online clinical resource website written and run by dermatologists providing evidence-based information about dermatology and skin health Go to source Unlike blisters, these ulcers will not heal or go away on their own.

This rash is often caused by variations of the staphylococcus bacteria (staph), which is why it is so contagious. However, it can also develop from the streptococcal (strep) bacteria, as well, which is also contagious. [11] X Research source

Be sure to keep the washcloth separate from other people, as it can pass the rash.

If you do not have gloves, be sure to thoroughly wash your hands when you are done applying the ointment. Your doctor may prescribe a topical antibiotic such as mupirocin, retapamulin, or fusidic acid. [15] X Research source

Your doctor will probably prescribe a topical antibiotic first, unless you have an extensive or resistant rash. Resistance to oral antibiotics is becoming a problem, so doctors tend not to prescribe them unless absolutely necessary. [17] X Research source Your doctor will likely prescribe an oral antibiotic such as dicloxacillin or cephalexin. If you are allergic to penicillin, she may prescribe clindamycin or erythromycin.

Your doctor may need to run some tests to see what type of bacteria is causing the impetigo. [21] X Research source Certain types of bacteria, such as MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), have become very resistant to antibiotics. [22] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source

Scarring, especially from ecthyma impetigo. Cellulitis, which is a serious infection that affects tissues beneath your skin. Guttate psoriasis, a non-infectious skin condition that causes scaly patches on the skin. [25] X Trustworthy Source DermNet NZ Online clinical resource website written and run by dermatologists providing evidence-based information about dermatology and skin health Go to source Scarlet fever, a rare bacterial infection that may develop from a streptococcus impetigo infection in some cases. Septicemia, a bacterial blood infection that requires immediate medical attention Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS), a serious but rare skin poisoning caused by the staph bacteria.

Children can return to school 24 hours after antibiotic treatment has started. Cover all impetigo sores with a watertight dressing, and make sure the child keeps them covered while at school. [27] X Research source

The CDC recommends that you wash your hands for at least 20 seconds, or about the time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice through. [29] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source Good handwashing hygiene can help avoid the spread of impetigo. Any contact with the discharge from the sores can pass the rash. Nasal discharge can also pass the rash. Washing your hands frequently reduces the likelihood of spreading discharge around. [30] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source

Do not share razors or other personal care products with people who have impetigo. [34] X Research source Wash the infected person’s clothes and towels daily, by themselves. Use hot water when washing them. [35] X Research source