Impetigo is a skin infection that is characterized by blisters, lesions, and crusty skin. It often hurts or itches, and it is very contagious. It can easily spread to other parts of the body and to others. It can be transmitted through the fluid in the blister and lesions and can be picked up from soft and hard surfaces.
Impetigo often spread through daycares and schools quickly. The symptoms are usually mild, but severe infections are possible. If left untreated, the impetigo can spread and become worse. Treatment usually consists of oral antibiotics and topical antibiotic creams. Impetigo symptoms are similar to those of other infections, and they may come on slowly or suddenly and be either mild or severe. Once a person begins treatment,
1. Blisters
Blisters are one of the first things people notice when they have impetigo or a sick child. The blisters can appear raised or flat and are usually filled with a clear or yellow fluid. They appear in the area of the infection and can be broken easily. When they break, the clear fluid can leak out and cause the bacteria to spread to other areas of the body.
It can also leak on to hard and soft surfaces, which can lead to other people becoming infected as well. The blister may be painful or itchy. Once the blisters burst, new ones can grow in their place. The blisters often form around the mouth, eyes, hands, and feet, but can show up anywhere there are bacteria present. In children, they are usually found in folds of the skin or along the diaper area, where they are easily irritated. Picking the blisters can cause other infections and make the impetigo worse.