Impetigo: Causes, Treatments, and What You Need to Know

When your skin breaks out in red sores that turn into honey-colored crusts, it’s often impetigo, a highly contagious bacterial skin infection caused mainly by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. Also known as school sores, it’s not dangerous but spreads fast—especially among children, athletes, and anyone in close contact. You don’t need to be sick to get it. A tiny cut, insect bite, or even dry, cracked skin is all it takes for bacteria to move in and start multiplying.

What makes impetigo tricky is how easily it travels. One kid scratching their face and then touching a toy can pass it to the next child. It shows up on the face, arms, or legs—not deep inside, but right on the surface. The good news? It responds well to treatment. topical antibiotics, like mupirocin or retapamulin ointments are usually the first line of defense. For more serious cases, oral antibiotics, such as cephalexin or clindamycin are prescribed. You’ll see improvement in a few days, but you need to finish the full course—even if the sores look gone. Stopping early invites resistance and recurrence.

Impetigo doesn’t just affect kids. Adults with eczema, diabetes, or weakened immune systems are at higher risk. It’s also common in warm, humid climates and crowded places like daycare centers or locker rooms. Keeping skin clean and covered helps, but sometimes it’s unavoidable. That’s why knowing the difference between impetigo and other rashes—like eczema flare-ups or fungal infections—is key. Misdiagnosis leads to wrong treatments and longer healing time.

There’s no vaccine for impetigo, and no magic cure. Prevention comes down to hygiene: wash hands often, don’t share towels or clothing, and keep cuts clean. If you notice crusty sores that won’t heal, don’t wait. Early treatment stops it from spreading to others and reduces scarring risk.

Below, you’ll find real-world guides on treatments, comparisons of antibiotics, and tips for managing outbreaks without overpaying or risking side effects. Whether you’re dealing with a child’s rash or your own recurring skin issue, these posts give you clear, no-fluff answers.