Impetigo
Also called: school sores
A highly contagious skin infection that causes red sores on the face.
- Short-term: resolves within days to weeks
- Treatable by a medical professional
- Spreads by skin-to-skin contact
- Requires a medical diagnosis
- Lab tests or imaging rarely required
Impetigo mainly affects infants and children.
Very common: More than 3 million US cases per year
Consult a doctor for medical advice
Sources: Mayo Clinic and others. Learn more
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A more serious form of impetigo, called ecthyma, penetrates deeper into the skin causing painful fluid- or pus-filled sores that turn into deep ulcers.
Impetigo starts as a red, itchy sore. As it heals, a crusty, yellow or “honey-colored” scab forms over the sore.
Oct 31, 2023 · Impetigo is a common bacterial skin infection that spreads easily. It causes itchy sores or blisters to form on exposed skin, ...
Feb 7, 2023 · Impetigo is an itchy, sometimes painful, skin infection. Bacteria such as staph and Group A strep cause the condition.
Impetigo is a highly contagious bacterial skin infection that generally isn't serious. It clears up faster with antibiotics and requires good hygiene to prevent ...