What Does Impetigo Look Like? Pictures, Symptoms & Treatments

Impetigo is a highly contagious bacterial skin infection that affects people of all ages, especially young children. If you’re concerned about red sores or blisters on the skin, you’re not alone. Thousands of people in the UK search for impetigo images (“imagenes impetigo”) each month to compare symptoms and get clarity. In this guide, we’ll help you identify impetigo through pictures, explain symptoms, causes, treatment, and how to prevent it from spreading.

What Is Impetigo?

Impetigo is a superficial skin infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria. It typically appears as red sores that quickly rupture, ooze, and form a yellowish-brown crust. The condition is most common in children aged 2–6 but can affect adults as well.

Though often uncomfortable and unsightly, impetigo is usually mild and treatable with proper hygiene and antibiotics.

Who Gets Impetigo in the UK?

According to NHS data, impetigo is one of the most common skin infections in children. It can also affect adults, especially those with compromised immune systems, skin injuries, or frequent skin-to-skin contact.

You’re more likely to get if:

• You’re a nursery or school-age child
  
• You have eczema or other skin issues
  
• You live in close-contact environments
  
• Your skin is frequently exposed to moisture or friction
  

Types of Impetigo: Bullous vs. Non-Bullous

There are two main types:

1. Non-Bullous Impetigo

• The most common type
  
• Small red blisters rupture to form a yellowish crust
  
• Appears around nose, mouth, and hands
  

2. Bullous Impetigo

• Less common but more severe
  
• Larger blisters with clear fluid
  
• Often seen on torso, diaper area, or limbs
  
• May be accompanied by fever and weakness
  

Causes & How It Spreads

Impetigo is caused by bacterial infection entering the skin through:

• Cuts, scrapes, insect bites
  
• Eczema or other pre-existing skin conditions
  

It spreads via:

• Direct contact with sores
  
• Shared towels, clothing, or bedding
  
• Touching infected surfaces
  

Children are particularly vulnerable due to close contact in schools and playgrounds.

How Is It Diagnosed?

Most UK GPs diagnose impetigo based on visual symptoms. If needed, a swab of the blister fluid may be taken to confirm the bacteria type and antibiotic resistance.

Diagnosis is quick, and treatment can usually begin immediately without lab confirmation unless recurrent or severe.

Treatment Options Available in the UK

1. Topical Antibiotics (First-line treatment)

• Fusidic acid or mupirocin cream
  
• Apply 2–3 times daily for 7–10 days
  

2. Oral Antibiotics

Prescribed if:

• Infection is widespread
  
• Topical treatment fails
  

Common antibiotics include flucloxacillin or erythromycin

3. General Advice:

• Clean affected area with warm water
  
• Avoid touching or scratching
  
• Wash hands frequently
  
• Keep children off school until 48 hours after treatment starts
  

Home Remedies: What Helps and What to Avoid

While antibiotics are the gold standard, these supportive remedies may help:

What Helps:

• Warm saline compresses to soothe the skin
  
• Antiseptic washes like chlorhexidine
  
• Keeping nails trimmed to avoid scratching
  

Avoid:

• Using over-the-counter steroid creams (can worsen infection)
  
• Covering sores without proper cleaning
  
• Sharing personal items
  

How to Prevent Impetigo Outbreaks

Prevention is essential, especially in nurseries, care homes, and schools.

• Encourage regular hand washing
  
• Clean toys, bedding, and shared items frequently
  
• Cover minor cuts or eczema patches
  
• Keep infected children home from school until no longer contagious
  
• Don’t reuse towels or razors
  

Impetigo vs. Other Skin Conditions

Because it looks similar to other infections, it’s important to understand the differences.

When to See a GP

You should see your GP if:

• Symptoms worsen or don’t improve in 7–10 days
  
• The infection spreads to new areas
  
• Your child develops fever or swollen glands
  
• You suspect bullous impetigo or complications
  

Early diagnosis leads to faster healing and less risk of transmission.

Spot the Signs, Stop the Spread

Impetigo might look alarming, but it’s a treatable skin condition that clears up quickly with proper care. Understanding what impetigo looks like — through images and symptoms — is the first step to early diagnosis. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or healthcare worker, recognising and responding to impetigo early helps stop the spread in homes and communities.

For safe, UK-approved skincare and infection-control products, browse our pharmacy range at vitalmeds.co.uk or speak with our experts today.

Frequently Asked Questions

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