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Impetigo is a common, highly contagious bacterial skin infection that usually appears as golden, honey-coloured crusted patches, or less often as fluid-filled blisters. It responds well to treatment in most cases, and good hygiene alongside any prescribed medicine helps stop it spreading to others.
An overview of impetigo, its causes, and how it's typically treated.
Impetigo is a common, highly contagious skin infection caused by bacteria — usually Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, or both. It typically appears as golden, honey-coloured crusted patches (the most common type, "non-bullous" impetigo), or less often as fluid-filled blisters that burst and crust over ("bullous" impetigo). It spreads easily through direct skin contact or shared towels and bedding, so good hygiene is an important part of treatment alongside any medicine prescribed.
Most cases are mild and respond well to treatment within a week or so. Recurrent impetigo can sometimes be linked to ongoing Staph aureus carriage in the nose — if that applies to you, our Nasal Infections treatment page covers decolonisation treatment.
Common signs of impetigo to look out for.
Often around the nose and mouth, but can appear anywhere on the body.
Sores that burst and develop a golden-yellow, honey-coloured crust.
Itching or soreness at the affected site.
In bullous impetigo, larger, fluid-filled blisters that are more fragile and burst more easily.
What typically causes impetigo, and factors that can make it more likely to spread or come back.
Impetigo is caused by bacteria (usually Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes) and spreads easily through direct skin contact or shared towels and bedding.
Recurrent impetigo can sometimes be linked to ongoing Staph aureus carriage in the nose. If this applies to you, our Nasal Infections treatment page covers decolonisation treatment.
All treatment is subject to a full online clinical assessment by a GPhC-registered prescriber, who will confirm the right option for you. Good hygiene measures alongside any medicine help stop it spreading to others.
| Treatment | Best for | How it works | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hydrogen peroxide 1% cream | First-line for localised, non-bullous impetigo in patients who are not systemically unwell | Topical antiseptic cream | Applied 2–3 times daily for 5 days |
| Topical fusidic acid | Localised infection where hydrogen peroxide isn't suitable or hasn't worked | Topical antibiotic cream | Short 5-day course |
| Topical mupirocin | Where fusidic acid resistance or MRSA is suspected | Topical antibiotic ointment | Used when resistance to fusidic acid is a concern |
| Oral flucloxacillin | First-line oral option: widespread non-bullous impetigo, bullous impetigo, infection not improving with topical treatment, or systemically unwell | Oral antibiotic | 5-day course |
| Oral clarithromycin | Alternative where the patient is allergic to penicillin | Oral antibiotic | Course length confirmed by your prescriber |
Not sure which option is right for you?
Seek urgent medical care instead of using this service if you notice any of the following:
Related reading on skin and nasal infections.
Answers to common questions about impetigo symptoms, contagiousness, and treatment.
Very. It spreads easily through direct skin contact and shared items like towels, flannels, and bedding. Avoid sharing these items and try not to scratch or touch the affected area, then touch other parts of your body or other people.
Generally once the sores have crusted over and healed, or 48 hours after starting antibiotic treatment — whichever your prescriber advises for your specific case.
For localised impetigo in someone who isn't otherwise unwell, hydrogen peroxide cream is the recommended first-line treatment, as it's effective and helps reduce unnecessary antibiotic use.
Recurrent impetigo can sometimes be linked to ongoing carriage of the bacteria (usually Staph aureus) in the nose. If this applies to you, your prescriber may discuss nasal decolonisation treatment or refer you to your GP for further assessment.
Not quite — impetigo is a skin infection that can appear anywhere on the body, often around the nose and mouth, while our separate Nasal Infections page covers infections localised specifically to just inside the nostril. The same bacteria (Staph aureus) can cause both.
With your consent, yes — Access Doctor can notify your GP surgery of the consultation and any treatment provided.
Complete a short online consultation and a GPhC-registered prescriber will review your answers and recommend a suitable treatment option.
