Impetigo is…

…a skin infection caused by bacteria that is seen most often in children and babies.

Symptoms

Impetigo is usually a mild infection that only affects the skin. The most common form—non-bullous impetigo—affects around 70% of cases. It usually starts with tiny red spots on the skin which rapidly change into fragile blisters that rupture easily and form a honey-coloured crust over the area. The affected areas usually form in rashes around the nose and mouth or at the location of bites, cuts, scratches, burns or over pre-existing skin conditions. The affected areas can spread rapidly, especially if scratched. Flu-like symptoms such as tiredness, weakness in muscles, headaches and vomiting, sometimes occur. Impetigo often follows recent respiratory infections or other skin disorders, especially in adults.

Read more about impetigo in the factsheet for the general public.