How to Treat Icky Impetigo
If you are seeing crusty sores around your child’s nose or mouth, they probably have “impetigo,” and you may be wondering how to treat it. Many parents will tell me their child has “infantigo” – which isn’t a bad name for this skin infection commonly found in young kids!
This skin infection can begin anytime there is a break in the skin like a cut, bug bite, or a raw area from blowing the nose frequently. Kids with eczema are more prone to getting impetigo. The infection can spread to new locations by scratching or/and to another person through close contact with the rash.
There are two main types of impetigo:
Crusting impetigo
Starts with small blisters that break open, ooze, and cause red areas with a yellowish scab or a honey-colored crust. These can occur anywhere but often occur around the mouth or nose. It is contagious and easily spread.
Bullous impetigo
Forms large blisters (bullae) that pop and leave red sores behind. This form is much less common.
How to treat impetigo
- Impetigo is treated with a prescription antibiotic ointment, which kills the Staphylococcus or Streptococcus bacteria that cause the rash to develop. So, if you see this rash – call or email your doctor to get a prescription ordered. Once you start the medicine, the sores should improve after a few days, but be sure to continue the medication for the entire prescription.
- Gently wash the sores with soap and water each day to remove the crusts and scabs. After washing apply the antibiotic ointment.
- Cover the open sores loosely with a bandage to help prevent spreading.
- Have your child wash their hands often and avoid touching the infected areas.
- Trim their fingernails very short and use a nailbrush to clean under their nails with each handwashing.
- Don’t let them share sheets, towels, or clothes until the infection is gone.
- Your child can return to school or daycare after using the antibiotic for 24 hours.
Usually using the antibiotic ointment is enough to clear up impetigo but very occasionally a medicine taken by mouth is needed as well. Please contact your doctor again if the sores are not improving after three days or if your child starts developing sores that have large blisters, increased pain, or fever.
Resources for Parents
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
About the Author
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