Understanding Impetigo
What is it?
Impetigo is a contagious skin infection common in young children. It causes red sores that crust over, often around the nose and mouth, but it can appear anywhere.
Common Types
- Non-bullous impetigo – Red sores that form honey-colored crusts
- Bullous impetigo – Blisters filled with clear/yellow fluid
- Ecthyma – A deeper form with ulcers and thick crusts (less common)
When to Manage at Home
✅ You can manage your child's impetigo at home when:
- Mild cases with localized rash
- No fever or fatigue
- Child is otherwise acting normally
How to Treat at Home
🏠 Home remedies for Impetigo:
- Wash lesions 3x/day with warm water and mild soap
- Apply Mupirocin ointment 3x/day for 5–10 days (if prescribed)
- Wash clothing, towels, and bedding in hot water
- Cover lesions, if possible, to prevent spreading
- Keep fingernails short to avoid scratching
Safe Medications
- Mupirocin (topical antibiotic)
- Oral antibiotics (e.g., Keflex, Clindamycin, or Bactrim) if prescribed for more widespread cases
When to Contact Poppins
📱 Contact us again when:
- Rash isn’t improving within 72 hours
- You’re not sure if it’s impetigo or something else
- You suspect a deeper infection (ecthyma)
When to Visit Your Pediatrician
🩺 Go to an in-person appointment when:
- Fever, fatigue, or rapid spreading
- Rash isn’t responding to antibiotics
- Concern for MRSA or history of recurrent skin infections
When to Go to the ER
🚨 Seek immediate emergency care if your child is:
- High fever + widespread infection
- Severe fatigue or child is unusually drowsy
- Signs of rapidly worsening illness or deeper skin damage
Return to School/Daycare:
✅ After 24 hours of antibiotics and if lesions can be covered
If your gut tells you something is wrong, don't hesitate to reach out. Need help? Reconnect with our on-demand team of medical staff available 24/7.
