Top of the page

Impetigo is a skin infection caused by bacteria. The infection often begins when bacteria that normally can be present on the skin enter a small cut or scratch.

Symptoms of impetigo include yellow, crusty, oozing blisters or sores. The sores can appear anywhere on the body. Scratching the blisters may spread impetigo to other parts of the body. Impetigo is more common in children than adults.

Impetigo is most often treated with antibiotics.

Current as of: July 26, 2016

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Susan C. Kim, MD - Pediatrics & Brian D. O'Brien, MD - Internal Medicine & Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & John Pope, MD - Pediatrics