Impetigo is a topical skin infection often mistaken for cold sores or severe acne. This infection is more common among young children from 2-6 years old and people who participate in close contact sports like football or wrestling.

What Are the Symptoms of Impetigo?

Symptoms of Impetigo closely resemble severe acne at first. In the beginning a cluster of pimple-like sores will scab over and then break down releasing pus over a period of 4-6 days. Extreme itching is common but restraint is strongly recommended to prevent spreading the infection to other areas of the face or body.

In extreme cases, the disease can spread to other parts of the body or cover a large region of the face. This is perpetuated by scratching, poor hygiene, and failure to contain the initial outbreak with appropriate treatment.

What are the causes of Impetigo?

A main cause of impetigo is beta-hemolytic Group A Streptococci (the same organism which causes strep throat). A staph infection such as  Staphylococcus aureus is also a leading cause of impetigo.

In some cases, unattended cold sores or herpetic lesions can become a portal of entry to secondary bacterial infections caused by staph and strep organisms

Who is likely to be infected with Impetigo?

Children between ages 2 and 6 are the most likely candidates for this kind of skin infection. However, people of all ages who engage in close contact sports such as wrestling, football, boxing, and soccer also run a risk of Impetigo infection.

What treatments are available for Impetigo?

Topical and oral antibiotics are the generally recommended treatment for Impetigo.

Topical treatments include ointments such as fusidic acid (Fusidin) and mupirocin (Bactroban). These creams should be applied to the skin after the infected region has been washed with an antibacterial cleanser and then allowed to air dry.

In more severe cases, oral antibiotics will be prescribed as treatment. Such oral antibiotics include dicloxacillin, amoxicillin/clavulanate (Augmentin)

How many treatments are required?

In most cases a patient is required to use topical and/or oral antibiotics for a few days (usually 7-10 days) or until the infection has fully cleared up.  It is important that you finish all medication prescribed by your doctor to eradicate the infection and prevent the development of resistant organisms.

What Are My Alternatives to Treat Impetigo?

• Other antibiotics
• Cephalexin
• Erythromycin
• Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim)
• (Linezolid)
• Tea tree oil (anecdotal reports have suggested this)

Will I Have Pain?

Any pain should be reduced by treatment.

When Can I Go Back To Work Or School?

You can go back to work or school immediately, but we recommend against it, as impetigo is highly contagious.

Who Will Perform My Treatment?

One of our board-certified dermatologists will prescribe treatment.

How Much Does It Cost?

Please call TopSurgeons at 800-506-8084 for more information.

Will My Insurance Cover Impetigo Treatment?

Insurance should cover this condition.