Health Topics A-Z

What Are the Symptoms?

• A small patch of blisters that after a few hours breaks into a red, moist area that oozes or weeps fluid; appears mainly on the face, but also on exposed areas of the arms and legs.
• In a few days, formation of a golden or dark-yellow crust resembling grains of brown sugar. The infection may continue to spread at the edges of the affected area.

Call Your Doctor If:

• You have sores on your face that do not go away in 48 hours after starting treatment. An impetigo infection needs prompt medical attention.
• Small, very itchy, pus-filled ulcers form, with a dark brown crust. This indicates ecthyma, an ulcerated form of impetigo that penetrates deep into the skin. If left untreated, it may cause scarring and permanent changes in pigmentation.
• Symptoms of impetigo appear on a baby. Any persistent skin disorder in infants requires medical attention.
• A child suffering from impetigo develops nausea, headaches, low urine output, or puffiness around the face and on limbs. These are signs of glomerulonephritis, a kidney disease caused by bacterial toxins.

NOTE: Sores associated with impetigo may be mistaken for herpes, a viral infection. Impetigo spreads faster, never develops inside the mouth, and is rarely confined to one area of the body. If in doubt, see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis.