Children's skin

Impetigo in Children: What Parents Need to Know

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Impetigo is a common, highly contagious bacterial skin infection in children, most often between ages two and five. It shows up as small red sores that break open and form a honey-colored crust, usually around the nose and mouth. Most cases are mild and clear reliably with a topical or oral antibiotic a provider prescribes.

Last updated: July 2026History

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What impetigo looks like

Impetigo typically starts as small red bumps or blisters that rupture quickly. Once they break open, the raw area dries into a distinctive honey-colored or golden-brown crust — one of its most recognizable features 1. These sores most often appear around the nose and mouth, but can develop anywhere on the body where skin has been scratched or broken.

There is a less common form called bullous impetigo that forms larger, fluid-filled blisters rather than small crusted sores; bullous impetigo is more common in infants under two years 2. Both forms are caused by gram-positive bacteria — primarily Staphylococcus aureus, which accounts for approximately 80% of cases 2.

How it spreads

The bacteria that cause impetigo spread through direct contact with an infected sore, or from touching surfaces and objects that have been contaminated 1. Children often pass it by touching a sore and then touching another part of their own body or another child. Sharing towels, clothing, or sports equipment can also transfer the infection.

A child with impetigo is generally considered contagious until the sores have healed or, if receiving treatment, until at least 24 hours of treatment has been completed 1. Policies on school or daycare return vary — checking directly with the program and the child's provider gives the clearest guidance.

What parents can do at home

While waiting for a provider visit, gently washing the affected area with mild soap and water and loosely covering the sores with a bandage can help limit spread 1. Cutting a child's fingernails short and reminding them not to scratch the sores reduces the chance of the infection moving to other areas. Wash towels and bedding separately, and encourage thorough handwashing for everyone in the household.

These steps do not replace a provider assessment — impetigo that is spreading, causing discomfort, or affecting a large area of skin generally warrants a provider visit, as prescription treatment is usually needed for reliable resolution 12.

When a provider visit matters

A provider can confirm the diagnosis, assess how widespread the infection is, and recommend an appropriate course of treatment 2. Mild, localized impetigo may be managed with a topical antibiotic applied directly to the sores — mupirocin 2% ointment is a well-established first-line option for limited cases 2. More widespread or severe cases may require an oral antibiotic course.

It is important to follow the full recommended course of treatment even if the sores look better early — this reduces the chance of the infection returning and helps prevent antibiotic resistance 1. Most healthy children improve noticeably within a few days of starting treatment.

Preventing impetigo from coming back

Impetigo tends to enter through broken skin — an insect bite, a scrape, or a patch of eczema 1. Keeping the child's skin moisturized, trimming nails, and treating skin conditions like eczema promptly can lower the likelihood of repeat infections. Good hand hygiene for the whole family is the most practical ongoing preventive step.

A rare but important complication of streptococcal impetigo is post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, a form of kidney inflammation. Signs — such as dark or tea-colored urine, facial swelling, or reduced urination — that appear after a skin infection warrant prompt contact with a provider 2.

Common questions

Most schools and daycares ask children to stay home until they have been on treatment for at least 24 hours and sores are covered or crusted over. Policies vary, so checking directly with the school and the child's provider is the clearest path.

Most cases of impetigo — even very small ones — are treated with either a topical or oral antibiotic to clear reliably and prevent spread. A provider assessment helps determine which approach fits the child's situation.

A rare complication called post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis can occasionally follow a strep-related impetigo infection. Signs include dark or tea-colored urine, facial swelling, or reduced urination and warrant prompt contact with a provider.

Yes, the bacteria can spread to anyone in close contact. Good handwashing, not sharing towels or linens, and keeping sores covered are the main ways to limit transmission within a household.

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When to get care right away

  • —Sores spreading rapidly over hours
  • —Fever alongside spreading skin sores
  • —Child appears very unwell, unusually sleepy, or hard to wake
  • —Sores in or around the eye
  • —Dark or tea-colored urine or facial swelling after a skin infection (possible kidney involvement — contact a provider urgently)
  • —Signs of deeper infection: the skin around a sore becomes very red, warm, swollen, or tender

If a child shows trouble breathing, a rash that spreads very rapidly with fever and looks bruised or does not blanch when pressed, or is difficult to rouse, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

This article provides general health information for parents and is not a diagnosis or personalized medical advice. Always consult your child's provider with specific concerns.

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References

  1. 1.American Academy of Pediatrics (2024). Impetigo: What to Know About This Common Skin Infection in Children. HealthyChildren.org. link ✓Impetigo is highly contagious; S. aureus as primary cause; topical vs oral antibiotic guidance; 24-hour treatment before return to school; completing full antibiotic course; handwashing for prevention
  2. 2.Hartman-Adams H, Banvard C, Juckett G (2014). Impetigo: Diagnosis and Treatment. American Family Physician. link ✓Most common bacterial skin infection in children 2–5 years; S. aureus in ~80% of cases; bullous impetigo more common in infants; mupirocin 2% as first-line topical antibiotic; post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis as rare complication

2 sources, numbered by first appearance. General health information, not medical advice. AI-assisted editorial content — every citation independently verified. Editorial policy

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