Treatment:

The goal is to cure the infection and relieve the symptoms.

A mild infection may be treated with a prescription antibacterial cream. More severe cases may require antibiotics, taken by mouth.

Wash (do not scrub) the skin several times a day, preferably with an antibacterial soap, to remove crusts and drainage.

Expectations (prognosis):

The sores of impetigo heal slowly and seldom scar. The cure rate is extremely high, but the condition often comes back in young children.

Complications:

• Kidney failure (post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis) (rare)
• Many patches of impetigo (in children)
• Permanent skin damage and scarring (very rare)
• Spread of the infection to other parts of the body (common)

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have symptoms of impetigo.