Quick answer. Impetigo is a common, contagious bacterial skin infection that causes red sores and honey-coloured crusts, most often in children. It is easily treated with antibiotic cream or tablets, and with simple hygiene measures it clears up well, though children may need to stay home until it is no longer contagious.
Impetigo is a very common skin infection, especially in young children, and while it can look alarming with its weepy sores and golden-yellow crusts, it is usually easy to treat. It is caused by bacteria entering the skin, often through a small cut, insect bite, scratch or patch of eczema. In Singapore’s warm and humid climate, where children are active and skin breaks are common, impetigo is a frequent reason for a visit to the GP.
The good news for worried parents is that impetigo responds well to antibiotic treatment and good hygiene, and most children recover fully without any lasting marks. This guide explains what impetigo is, how to recognise it, how it spreads, and how it is treated, including the simple steps that stop it passing to siblings and classmates.
At a glance
| Type | What it looks like | Typical treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Non-bullous (most common) | Red sores that burst and form honey-coloured crusts | Antibiotic cream, or oral antibiotics if widespread |
| Bullous | Larger fluid-filled blisters that burst and crust | Often oral antibiotics |
| Mild, localised | A few sores in one small area | Topical antibiotic and hygiene measures |
| More widespread | Many sores or larger areas affected | Oral antibiotics prescribed by a doctor |
| Around eczema or bites | Crusting over existing broken skin | Treat infection plus the underlying skin |
What is impetigo?
Impetigo is a contagious bacterial infection of the surface layers of the skin, most often caused by Staphylococcus or Streptococcus bacteria. It is one of the most common skin infections in children, particularly those of preschool and primary-school age, though adults can get it too.
The classic sign is a cluster of red sores that quickly burst and dry into honey-coloured (golden-yellow) crusts, usually around the nose and mouth, but they can appear anywhere on the body. Impetigo is generally a mild, surface infection and, with treatment, clears up without scarring. It is contagious, which is why hygiene and, for children, a short period away from school or childcare matter.
Symptoms & signs
Impetigo usually starts as small red spots or sores and develops a recognisable appearance:
- Red sores or blisters that quickly burst and ooze.
- Distinctive honey-coloured or golden-yellow crusts as the sores dry.
- Sores most often around the nose and mouth, but possible on the hands, arms, legs or anywhere skin is broken.
- Mild itching – scratching can spread the infection to new areas.
- In the bullous type, larger fluid-filled blisters that may be painful before they crust.
Children are usually otherwise well. The sores are not deep and typically heal without scarring once treated. If your child develops a fever or the surrounding skin becomes increasingly red, swollen or painful, that needs a doctor’s attention.
Causes & risk factors
Impetigo happens when bacteria get into the skin, usually through a break in the surface. Factors that raise the risk include:
- Existing skin conditions such as eczema, which create breaks for bacteria to enter.
- Cuts, grazes, insect bites or scratches.
- Warm, humid weather, which suits the bacteria – relevant in Singapore.
- Close contact in households, childcare centres and schools, where it spreads easily.
- Sharing towels, bedding or clothing with someone who has impetigo.
It spreads through direct contact with the sores or with items that have touched them. Good hand hygiene and not sharing personal items are the main ways to limit its spread.
How it's diagnosed
A doctor can usually diagnose impetigo simply by looking at the sores – the honey-coloured crusts and typical location around the nose and mouth are quite characteristic. Most cases need no tests at all.
If the infection is not clearing with treatment, keeps coming back, or is severe, the doctor may take a swab of the sore to identify the bacteria and check which antibiotic will work best. They may also look at any underlying skin problem, such as eczema, that allowed the infection to take hold, so it can be treated too and recurrences reduced.
Treatment options
Impetigo is treated with antibiotics, and the approach depends on how widespread it is:
- Antibiotic cream or ointment for mild, localised impetigo, applied for the full course the doctor advises.
- Oral antibiotics (tablets or syrup) when the infection is widespread, in the bullous form, or not responding to cream.
- Gentle cleaning – softening and removing crusts with warm water can help the cream reach the skin.
- Treating the underlying skin, such as managing eczema, to prevent recurrence.
Most children improve within a few days of starting treatment. It is important to finish the full course of antibiotics even once the skin looks better. Keep fingernails short, discourage scratching, and wash hands, towels and bedding regularly to stop the spread.
When to see a doctor & which specialist
See a doctor if you or your child has the typical sores and crusts of impetigo, since it usually needs prescription antibiotics to clear and to limit spread. Seek medical care promptly if there is spreading redness around the sores, a fever, large or painful blisters, the infection is getting worse despite treatment, or the person seems unwell – these can signal a deeper or more serious infection that needs urgent treatment. If a child becomes very unwell, lethargic or has difficulty feeding, do not wait.
A GP can diagnose and treat most cases of impetigo, and can advise on when a child can return to school or childcare (usually once sores have crusted over or after a set period on antibiotics). You can start at a GP clinic in Singapore, and a GP can refer you to a dermatologist if the infection is recurrent or linked to a stubborn skin condition.
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- Febrile seizures
Sources
- NHS – Impetigo
- Mayo Clinic – Impetigo
- KK Women's and Children's Hospital – Conditions & Treatments
- HealthHub Singapore – Diseases and Conditions
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