Patient guide to impetigo

About impetigo

Impetigo is a skin infection most often seen in children. The infection is caused by bacteria, usually Staphylococcus aureus, but other bacteria such as streptococci may also be involved.

The condition causes sores on the skin, often on the face, arms or upper body.

Impetigo is very contagious. It can spread between people and to other parts of the same person’s body. The sores can therefore spread quickly if they are not treated.

The condition can also occur in adults, but this is less common.

Cleaning the sores is an important part of treating impetigo.

Treatment of impetigo

The most important treatment is cleaning the skin and then treating it with a disinfectant or antibacterial product.

If the sores are very widespread, or there is no improvement, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics.

Cleaning the skin

The crusts on the sores need to be softened and gently removed so that treatment can work better.

• Soften the crusts with lukewarm water
• Alternatively, use a salt water solution
• Gently remove crusts with a cotton bud or a clean flannel

Repeat the cleaning daily, and possibly twice daily for the first few days.

Disinfectant or antibacterial treatment

After cleaning, treat the skin with chlorhexidine cream or soap morning and evening.

• On the face, chlorhexidine cream is often the most suitable option
• On the body, either cream or soap can be used
• Wash your hands before treatment and preferably use hand sanitiser
• Disposable gloves can be used when applying treatment
• Wash or sanitise your hands after treatment

Chlorhexidine is available over the counter at the pharmacy. Continue treatment until the sores have healed.

Treatment with antibiotics

If the doctor has prescribed antibiotics, it is important to follow the instructions for taking the medicine.

• Also read the patient information leaflet in the medicine box
• Contact the doctor if you suspect serious side effects
• Complete the full course of treatment, even if the symptoms disappear

Follow-up

Once treatment has started, there should be gradual improvement within a few days.

Contact the doctor again if:

• there is no improvement within three days
• the sores spread quickly
• the condition gets worse

Preventing the spread of impetigo

To limit the spread of infection, the child should stay home from nursery or childcare until the sores have dried up, the crusts have fallen off and no new sores are appearing.

• Good hand hygiene is important
• Avoid touching the sores unnecessarily
• The infected person should have their own towel

Clinically updated 9 March 2026