Impetigo
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 the skin several times a day, preferably with an antibacterial soap, to remove crusts and drainage.
Prognosis (Expectations)
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.
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