IMPETIGO (INFECTED SORES)

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

Main Symptoms

• Sores smaller than 1 inch in diameter.
• Often covered by a soft, yellow-brown scab or crust.
• Scabs may intermittently drain pus.
• Begin as small red bumps which rapidly change to cloudy blisters, then pimples, and finally open sores which weep.
• Increases in size (any sore or wound that grows and doesn't heal).
• Impetigo often spreads and increases in number from scratching.

Cause

• Superficial bacterial infections of small breaks in the skin.

See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one) If

• It's in a wound, see WOUND INFECTION.
• Doesn't look like impetigo, see RASHES, LOCALIZED AND CAUSE UNKNOWN.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Pediatric SelfCareNavigator. Copyright © 2000-2004 Barton Schmitt, M.D. FAAP

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 8/2003

See Other Topics:

• Rashes, Localized and Cause Unknown
• Wound Infection

View Anatomic Index of Topics