What Is Impetigo? How It Spreads, Symptoms & Treatment

Impetigo is one of the most common bacterial skin infections, particularly in young children. Because it spreads easily through close contact, many people wonder: how contagious is impetigo?

The short answer is that impetigo is highly contagious until it is treated or naturally heals. In this guide, we'll explain exactly how impetigo spreads, who is most at risk, how to recognise it, what you can do to stop it from spreading to others, and more.

Key Takeaways

• Impetigo is a highly contagious bacterial skin infection.
• It spreads through skin-to-skin contact and contaminated items such as towels, bedding, and clothing.
• Children are most commonly affected, but adults can get impetigo too.
• Symptoms typically include red sores, blisters, and honey-coloured crusts.
• Early treatment can help shorten recovery time and reduce the risk of spreading the infection.

What Is Impetigo?

Impetigo is a bacterial skin infection that affects the outer layers of the skin. It is sometimes known as school sores because it commonly spreads among children in schools and nurseries.

Impetigo often develops when bacteria enter the skin through small cuts, insect bites, scratches, eczema patches, or other areas of damaged skin.

Although it can look alarming, impetigo is usually not serious and often responds well to treatment.

How Contagious Is Impetigo?

Impetigo is highly contagious. The bacteria can spread easily from person to person through direct skin contact or by touching contaminated objects.

This is why outbreaks often occur in:

• Schools
• Nurseries
• Households
• Sports clubs
• Care settings

How Contagious Is Impetigo in Children?

Children are particularly vulnerable because they:

• Frequently touch their faces
• Share toys and equipment
• Have close physical contact with other children
• May scratch affected areas

How Contagious Is Impetigo in Adults?

Adults can also catch impetigo, especially if they:

• Live with an infected child
• Have eczema or other skin conditions
• Participate in close-contact sports
• Have weakened immune systems

How Common Is Impetigo?

Impetigo is one of the most common skin infections worldwide. It is especially common in kids aged 2-5 years.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, it accounts for about 10% of skin conditions in children.

Types of Impetigo

The main types of impetigo are:

1. Non-Bullous Impetigo

This is the most common form, accounting for the vast majority of cases.

It usually begins as:

• Small red sores
• Spots that quickly burst
• Honey-coloured crusts

The face is the most commonly affected area, particularly around the nose and mouth.

2. Bullous Impetigo

Bullous impetigo is a rarer type of skin infection and causes larger fluid-filled blisters (bullae). These blisters:

• Can appear on the trunk, arms, or legs
• May burst and leave yellow crusts that heal without scarring
• Are usually about 1-2 cm across
• Are more common in babies and young children

3. Ecthyma

Ecthyma is a less common but more severe form of impetigo that affects deeper layers of the skin.

Symptoms may include:

• Painful sores or ulcers
• Thick crusts
• Redness and swelling around the affected area
• Scarring after healing

Ecthyma most commonly develops on the legs and feet and is more likely to occur when impetigo is left untreated or in people with weakened immune systems.

Pharmacist explains: Unlike non-bullous and bullous impetigo, ecthyma can leave permanent scars because the infection extends deeper into the skin. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent complications.

How Does Impetigo Spread: The Most Common Ways

1. Skin-to-skin contact: Touching infected sores can transfer bacteria directly.
2. Shared towels and clothing: Items used by someone with impetigo can carry bacteria.
3. Bedding and soft furnishings: Bacteria may survive long enough to spread through contaminated fabrics.
4. Scratching: Scratching infected areas can spread bacteria to healthy skin.

Can Impetigo Live on Surfaces?

Yes, bacteria that cause impetigo can survive on some surfaces and objects for a period of time.

Although direct contact remains the most common route of transmission, it's important to regularly wash and disinfect frequently touched items when someone has impetigo.

What Are the Causes of Impetigo?

Impetigo is mainly caused by two bacteria:

• Staphylococcus (staph)
• Streptococcus (strep)

It develops when these bacteria enter damaged skin. But how do they enter the skin?

The most frequent entry points include:

• Cuts and scrapes
• Insect bites (in case they become infected, see Weldricks’ insect bites treatment service)
• Dry, cracked skin caused by a cold or allergies
• Broken skin caused by eczema or other inflammatory skin conditions

Read also: Struggling With Eczema? Creams & Moisturisers That Actually Help.

What Are the Main Symptoms of Impetigo?

Symptoms usually develop several days after exposure to the bacteria.

Common signs include:

• Red sores or patches
• Itching
• Fluid-filled blisters
• Honey-coloured crusts
• Skin that appears wet or weeping
• Enlarging areas of infection

Areas Most Commonly Affected

• Around the nose
• Around the mouth
• Hands
• Arms
• Legs

What Is Often Mistaken for Impetigo?

Several skin conditions can resemble impetigo, including:

• Eczema
• Cold sores
• Contact dermatitis
• Fungal skin infections
• Psoriasis (by the way, see our guide on psoriasis)

If you're unsure, it's important to seek professional advice.

How to Treat Impetigo

Treatment depends on the severity of the infection, the size of the affected area, and whether the infection is spreading. Let’s take a look at the most common treatment options for impetigo:

1. Topical Antibiotics

Topical antibiotics, such as antibiotic creams or ointments, are typically most suitable when:

• The infection is mild.
• Only a few sores are present.
• The infection hasn't spread extensively.

They are applied directly to the affected area and help kill the bacteria causing the infection.

2. Oral Antibiotics

Oral antibiotics may be recommended when:

• Impetigo affects a larger area of skin.
• There are multiple clusters of sores.
• The infection is spreading rapidly.
• Topical treatment isn't suitable or hasn't worked.

Because oral antibiotics work throughout the body, they can be more effective for widespread infections.

How to Stop Impetigo From Spreading

If you or your child has impetigo:

Do

✅ Wash hands regularly

✅ Cover affected areas where possible

✅ Wash towels, bedding, and clothing frequently

✅ Keep fingernails short

✅ Complete any prescribed treatment

Don't

❌ Share towels or face cloths

❌ Share bedding

❌ Touch or pick the sores

❌ Attend school, nursery, or close-contact activities until advised

All You Need to Know about Impetigo — Summary

Impetigo is highly contagious, but it usually responds well to treatment when identified early. Taking steps to prevent the infection from spreading can help protect both you and those around you.

If you think you or your child may have impetigo, don't wait for it to spread. Access expert advice and treatment through Weldricks’ pharmacy-first impetigo service without needing a GP appointment!