Diagnosis
To diagnose impetigo, your doctor might look for sores on your face or body. Lab tests generally aren't needed.
If the sores don't clear, even with antibiotic treatment, your doctor might take a sample of the liquid produced by a sore and test it to see what types of antibiotics would work best on it. Some types of the bacteria that cause impetigo have become resistant to certain antibiotics.
Treatment
Impetigo is treated with prescription mupirocin antibiotic ointment or cream applied directly to the sores two to three times a day for five to 10 days.
Before applying the medicine, soak the area in warm water or apply a wet cloth compress for a few minutes. Then pat dry and gently remove any scabs so the antibiotic can get into the skin. Place a nonstick bandage over the area to help prevent the sores from spreading.
For ecthyma or if more than just a few impetigo sores are present, your doctor might prescribe antibiotics taken by mouth. Be sure to finish the entire course of medication even if the sores are healed.
Self care
For minor infections that haven't spread to other areas, you could try treating the sores with an over-the-counter antibiotic cream or ointment. Placing a nonstick bandage over the area can help prevent the sores from spreading. Avoid sharing personal items, such as towels or athletic equipment, while contagious.
Preparing for your appointment
When you call your family doctor or child's pediatrician to make an appointment, ask if you need to do anything to prevent infecting others in the waiting room.
Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment.
What you can do
Make a list of the following in preparation for your appointment:
- Symptoms you or your child is experiencing
- All medications, vitamins and supplements that your or your child is taking
- Key medical information, including other conditions
- Questions to ask your doctor
Questions to ask your doctor
- What might be causing the sores?
- Are tests needed to confirm the diagnosis?
- What is the best course of action?
- What can I do to prevent the infection from spreading?
- What skin care routines do you recommend while the condition heals?
In addition to the questions that you've prepared to ask your doctor, don't hesitate to ask other questions during your appointment.
What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions, such as:
- When did the sores start?
- What did the sores look like when they started?
- Have you had any recent cuts, scrapes or insect bites to the affected area?
- Are the sores painful or itchy?
- What, if anything, makes the sores better or worse?
- Does someone in your family already have impetigo?
- Has this problem occurred in the past?
