Impetigo Signs

Impetigo is a highly contagious skin condition. It usually occurs on the face, neck, and hands of young children and infants. Children who wear diapers also tend to get it around the diaper area. Impetigo occurs more rarely in adults, usually following another skin condition or an infection. Your doctor will examine your sores and ask about any recent injuries to the skin. Most cases of impetigo can be diagnosed through physical examination. However, your doctor may wish to take a culture to determine the type of bacteria that is causing your impetigo.

Taking a culture involves brushing a swab over an affected area. This swab will then be sent to a lab to be tested for bacteria. The information from this test can help your doctor decide whether you need antibiotics, as well as what type of antibiotics to prescribe.

Impetigo Pictures