Get an impetigo treatment cream

Yes! The board-certified dermatologists within the Miiskin network are highly experienced in diagnosing and managing impetigo and common skin issues through online consultations. Having conducted over 50,000 consultations, you can feel confident that you or your child are receiving top-quality care.

According to Dr. Allen, mild impetigo is typically treated with topical antibiotics applied directly to the skin. Treatment usually lasts 5 to 7 days. With proper hygiene and medication, most mild cases resolve without complications.

Dr. Allen says adults are treated similarly to children, with topical antibiotics for localized infections and oral antibiotics for more severe or widespread cases. Adults with underlying skin conditions or weakened immune systems may need closer monitoring and follow-up to ensure proper healing.

Impetigo around the lips can be uncomfortable and may look similar to cold sores, according to Dr. Allen. Topical antibiotics are usually used first, but if the area is extensive or not improving, oral antibiotics may be needed. Good hygiene and avoiding lip picking or touching can help speed recovery and prevent spread.

Scalp impetigo often requires oral antibiotics because the hair can interfere with the effectiveness of topical creams. In some cases, antibacterial shampoos may be recommended alongside oral treatment. It’s important to avoid sharing combs, hats, or hairbrushes during treatment.

Dr. Allen says that mupirocin (Bactroban) is widely considered the first-choice cream for impetigo due to its effectiveness against both Staph aureus and Strep pyogenes. It’s typically used three times daily and is safe for both children and adults in mild to moderate cases.

Yes, Dr. Allen explains that impetigo is highly contagious. It spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact or by sharing items like towels, bedding, or clothing that have touched infected skin. Children are particularly susceptible, especially in group settings like schools or daycare.

Dr. Allen advises that impetigo is contagious until the sores have crusted over, or at least 24–48 hours after starting effective antibiotic treatment. Until then, close contact and sharing personal items should be avoided.

According to Dr. Allen, most cases of impetigo clear within 7 to 10 days of starting treatment. Without antibiotics, the infection can persist for 2 to 3 weeks and may continue to spread or worsen.

While impetigo can resolve without treatment, Dr. Allen strongly recommends antibiotics to speed healing, prevent spread, and reduce the risk of complications such as deeper infections or post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis.

Dr. Allen notes that while over-the-counter antiseptics may help with cleanliness, they don’t effectively treat impetigo. Prescription-strength antibiotic creams like mupirocin are usually necessary for proper resolution.

In most cases, impetigo is not dangerous and resolves without complications. However, Dr. Allen warns that if left untreated, it can spread to others or develop into a deeper infection. Rare complications include kidney inflammation or cellulitis.

The fastest way, according to Dr. Allen, is starting antibiotic treatment as soon as possible—ideally within 24 hours of noticing symptoms. Keeping the skin clean, covering lesions, and avoiding scratching all help speed recovery.

Mupirocin is Dr. Allen’s go-to topical antibiotic for mild impetigo. It effectively kills the Staph and Strep bacteria responsible for the infection. Other options include retapamulin and fusidic acid (used in some countries).

Dr. Allen explains that impetigo is caused by bacterial infection with Staphylococcus aureus or less commonly Streptococcus pyogenes. It can start on healthy skin or develop after skin is broken by cuts, insect bites, or eczema.

Impetigo can be stubborn if it’s misdiagnosed, improperly treated, or if reinfection occurs from close contacts or contaminated items. Dr. Allen stresses the importance of finishing antibiotics and practicing good hygiene during and after treatment.

Dr. Allen recommends covering impetigo lesions, especially in children, to reduce the risk of spreading the infection. Bandaging also helps prevent scratching and secondary infection. However, dressings should be changed regularly and kept clean.

Conditions like cold sores, eczema, contact dermatitis, insect bites, and even herpes simplex can resemble impetigo. Dr. Allen emphasizes the importance of proper diagnosis, especially if symptoms are not improving with treatment.

Dr. Allen advises against scratching or picking at the lesions, as this can worsen the infection and spread bacteria. You should also avoid sharing towels, razors, or personal care items during the infection.

Dr. Allen said that while tea tree oil and honey have antibacterial properties, they are not reliable substitutes for antibiotics. They may offer some mild benefit but should only be used alongside or after medical treatment, not in place of it.

Contaminated sheets or towels can contribute to the spread of impetigo. Dr. Allen recommends washing bedding, clothing, and towels in hot water and avoiding sharing linens during an active infection.

Dr. Allen says that impetigo is treated with antibiotics as it is a bacterial infection. Antibiotics eliminate the infection and prevent it from spreading to others. Mild cases often respond well to topical antibiotics, while more extensive or deeper infections may require oral antibiotics. Keeping the skin clean, avoiding scratching, and covering affected areas are important parts of treatment and prevention.

Topical antibiotics like mupirocin (Bactroban) and retapamulin (Altabax) are the most commonly prescribed creams for impetigo. These are applied directly to the affected skin, usually two to three times a day for about 5 to 7 days. They are effective for small, localized patches of non-bullous impetigo.

Bullous impetigo, caused by Staph aureus, tends to produce larger, fluid-filled blisters and often affects the trunk or skin folds. Dr. Allen says that because it can spread more easily or involve larger areas, treatment usually requires oral antibiotics like cephalexin or dicloxacillin. In cases of suspected MRSA, clindamycin or Bactrim may be prescribed.

Dr. Allen says that while over-the-counter (OTC) antiseptics and wound care products can help keep the skin clean, they are not effective at curing impetigo on their own. Impetigo usually requires prescription antibiotics. If you suspect impetigo, especially in children, it’s best to consult an online dermatologist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Dr. Allen says that although some natural remedies like raw honey, tea tree oil, or diluted apple cider vinegar have mild antimicrobial properties there is limited scientific evidence to support their effectiveness in treating impetigo. They should not be used as a replacement for antibiotics.