Impetigo: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Impetigo?
A dermatologist, a skin doctor, or a pediatrician, a children's doctor, often treats impetigo. Your provider will look at your skin to see if you have it. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is impetigo?
Impetigo is a skin infection caused by bacteria. It is a common infection of the outermost layer of the skin. It is most common in children between the ages of two and six. It is also highly contagious, which means it spreads easily to other people. Another name for it is school sores.
Staph bacteria usually cause impetigo, but strep bacteria can cause it too. MRSA is an increasing cause. MRSA is a type of staph that needs specific antibiotics.
Symptoms
Symptoms start with red or pimple-like sores surrounded by red skin. Other signs include:
- Sores that fill with pus, then break open after a few days and form a thick crust.
- Blisters filled with yellow or honey-colored fluid that ooze and crust over.
- Sores that are often itchy.
- Sores on the face, lips, arms, or legs.
- Swollen lymph nodes near the infection.
Scratching the sores can spread them. In infants, the skin is reddish or raw-looking where a blister has broken.
Causes and who gets it
Impetigo usually starts when bacteria get into a break in the skin, such as a cut, scratch, or insect bite. A rash, sore, or burn can also let the bacteria in. A child may get impetigo by scratching itchy eczema or chickenpox. Sometimes impetigo develops on unbroken skin.
Most people get impetigo through skin-to-skin contact with someone who has it. Children and athletes like wrestlers and football players often get it this way. You can also get it from an infected towel or sports equipment. Wearing infected clothing is another way. It can also spread by contact with sores or nasal discharge from an infected person.
In adults, it may occur after another skin problem. It may also develop after a cold or other virus.
How doctors diagnose it
Your provider will look at your skin to see if you have impetigo. Your provider may take a sample of bacteria from your skin to grow in the lab. This can help show whether MRSA is the cause.
Treatment
You can treat impetigo with antibiotics. The goal of treatment is to get rid of the infection and relieve your symptoms. Your provider will prescribe an antibacterial cream. You may need to take antibiotics by mouth if the infection is severe.
Gently wash your skin several times a day, and do not scrub. Use an antibacterial soap to remove crusts and drainage.
Impetigo will go away without treatment in a few weeks, but treatment is recommended. Treatment lowers the risk of complications. It also lowers the risk of spreading impetigo to others. Without treatment, new sores or blisters can keep forming for several weeks.
The sores of impetigo heal slowly, and scars are rare. The cure rate is very high, but the problem often comes back in young children.
When to see a doctor
Contact your provider if you have symptoms of impetigo. The infection can go deeper into the skin, and this can be serious. Impetigo can spread to other parts of the body, which is common. Kidney inflammation or failure is rare.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Such a doctor can look at your skin to see if you have impetigo and can talk with you about treatment.
Common questions
Is impetigo contagious?
Yes, impetigo is highly contagious. You can catch it if fluid that oozes from the blisters touches an open area on your skin.
Does impetigo go away on its own?
It can, but treatment is still recommended.
Does impetigo leave scars?
Scars are rare. Permanent skin damage and scarring is very rare.
How can I stop impetigo from spreading?
Use a clean washcloth and towel each time you wash. Do not share towels, clothing, razors, and other personal care products. Avoid touching blisters that are oozing, and wash your hands well after touching infected skin. Washing minor cuts and scrapes with soap and clean water also helps.
Can impetigo come back?
Yes, it often comes back in young children.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Impetigo
- MedlinePlus - Impetigo (Medical Encyclopedia)
- American Academy of Dermatology - Impetigo: Overview
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
