There might be numerous other reasons for this skin problem, however, stress is not a cause of impetigo. Avoiding irritants such as shampoo and styling products may help speed up healing. Impetigo is a highly contagious skin infection that causes red bumps and blisters to appear on your skin. Lymph nodes are found throughout the body. This rash occurs in areas with lots of sebaceous glands. There may be some itching or swollen lymph nodes, but the person feels generally well. Wash your hands after treating your skin, using the toilet, and when they are dirty. Impetigo is a highly contagious bacterial skin infection that generally isnt serious. Another factor that sets impetigo apart from other skin rashes is the underlying cause. Then, they can invade and colonize. Cold sores form in five stages. Impetigo is very contagious, so its easy to spread the disease to other people, and to other parts of your body. Sores or scabs on the scalp are often harmless and clear up on their own. These complications may include: Impetigo isnt the only infectious rash adults can get. Fungal Skin Infections: Types, Treatment, and Prevention Rare Complications of Cellulitis: How You Can Prevent Them Timeline of Cellulitis Healing Stages Is Cellulitis Contagious? You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on
Wash clothing, towels, and bedding daily and dont share these with others. This can provide a point of entry for the staph or strep bacteria. Sports involving skin-to-skin contact, having a weak immune system, or having a chronic skin problem, such as eczema, also increase the chance of getting impetigo. Impetigo can also lead to cellulitis, which is an infection that affects the tissue beneath the skin. Mayo Clinic; 2017. Wash hands frequently, try not to touch the areas, and cut the fingernails. It should be treated right away to avoid long-term complications. Impetigo can occur after Staphylococcus or Streptococcus bacteria enter a cut or wound. Some skin rashes are minor and treatable with over-the-counter medication. MS: Can the Mediterranean diet help preserve cognitive health? This infection is more serious but much less common. Take steps to soothe itchy skin if you have any type of rash. In adults with seborrheic dermatitis, stress, lack of sleep, or other triggers may cause symptoms to reoccur frequently. Like impetigo, cold sores are blisters that form around your mouth. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Infants often develop a type of seborrheic dermatitis called cradle cap, which usually clears independently. Over about a week, the sores burst and develop honey-colored crusts. This can lead to permanent skin scarring, but these deep infections are more likely to occur in those with a weakened immune system. Telling this highly contagious rash from other skin conditions can be difficult. Using them correctly might improve the odds that theyll help your impetigo, though they havent been shown to effectively treat impetigo on their own. The name dates back to 14th-century England and comes from the Latin word impetere, meaning to attack.. (3) Adults who care for blisters and sores on their children are also at risk of infection. (2,3), Indirect transmission happens when you touch an item or surface contaminated with the infection. Cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can develop just below the skin. Impetigo is caused by bacteria, usually staphylococci organisms. This is more likely to occur when you share personal items (towels, linens, or clothes) with an infected person. (5), Ringworm can also itch, but this rash takes a different appearance than impetigo. Impetigo is a common and contagious bacterial skin infection that is usually a minor problem, but sometimes complications may occur that require treatment. Stevens DL, et al. Avoid direct skin-to-skin contact with others.Keep blisters and sores covered with gauze bandages and tape.Wash their hands after touching or treating infected skin. 3 4. This condition is common after hair removal, especially shaving. When impetigo does occur in adults, it is more common in men. WebBut, in teens and adults, its typically on the hands, inner elbows, neck, knees, ankles, feet and around the eyes. Impetigo is a skin infection. It usually starts when bacteria get into a break in the skin, such as a cut, scratch, or insect bite. Infants sometimes have a less common type of impetigo, with larger blisters around the diaper area or in skinfolds. In warm and humid climates, it tends to occur year-round. The condition can also spread by sharing clothes, towels, and other items that have touched the skin of the infected person. Impetigo. It may occur on healthy skin. It should be avoided until youre no longer contagious. So dont ignore any unusual bumps, lesions, or blisters on the skin. Make sure to dilute essential oil in a carrier oil before applying it to our skin. The most common bacteria that cause impetigo include the following: group A - hemolytic streptococcus; Staphylococcus aureus; Impetigo is more common in children than adults, but adults may also have the infection. But with impetigo, itching is generally mild, and some people dont experience any itching whatsoever. Many different medical conditions can cause itchy sores on the skin, and some may be more serious than impetigo. In adults with seborrheic dermatitis, stress, lack of sleep,or other triggers may cause symptoms to reoccur frequently. In: Treatments for Skin of Color. Open wounds should be cleaned and bandaged. In: Feigin and Cherry's Textbook of Pediatric Infectious Diseases. The main symptom of impetigo is reddish sores, often around the nose and mouth. Because of the skin-to-skin contact in sports like wrestling and As a cyst grows, it may burst, causing sores and scabs. Or it may occur where the skin was injured by a cut, scrape, or insect bite. If you suspect that you or a loved one has impetigo, contact a doctor for diagnosis. Sores mainly occur around the nose and mouth in infants and children. Like impetigo, this rash disappears on its own. See pictures of scalp folliculitis and learn about its other symptoms. Toxic shock syndrome is a medical emergency. Home remedies for impetigoAloe vera (Aloe barbadensis)Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla/Chamaemelum nobile)Garlic (Allium sativum)Ginger (Zingiber officinale)Grapefruit seed (Citrus x paradisi)Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus)Neem (Azadiractha indica)HoneyTea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)Turmeric (Curcuma longa)More items (6), You may confuse chickenpox with impetigo. Ringworm can be itchy and annoying. Acne typically occurs when hair follicles clog with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria, so people with oily hair may be more likely to develop acne on the scalp. Elsevier; 2019. https://www.clinicalkey.com. A poison ivy rash also doesnt spread over a persons body. Cherry JD, et al., eds. A dermatologist is a medical doctor who specializes in treating the skin, hair, and nails. But similar to scabies, chickenpox causes severe itching. WebImpetigo & Stress Symptom Checker: Possible causes include Atopic Dermatitis. Use these professionally produced online infographics, posters, and videos to help others find and prevent skin cancer. Impetigo is an old disease. Additionally, supervision is necessary around bathwater and when using any bleach or other home remedies to avoid drownings or accidental ingestion. Impetigo is a highly contagious bacterial skin infection that can cause symptoms like blisters and rashes, usually around the mouth, in kids. The review noted that Australia, New Zealand, and North America were excluded because those studies were conducted on small, under-resourced populations that may not have reflected the overall statistics. When it affects just the surface, its called superficial impetigo. If you suspect that you or your child has impetigo, consult your family doctor, your child's pediatrician or a dermatologist. Impetigo is a skin infection caused by bacteria. (Reality or Just a 3 hours ago Web However, impetigo is an age-blind disease. It is most common in children between the ages of two and six. Impetigo: Diagnosis and treatment. While home remedies may help to reduce symptoms, they may not treat underlying conditions. A doctor can prescribe topical or oral antibiotics to help: Folliculitis is an infection of the hair follicles that can cause acne-like pimples or crusty sores. (2019). Impetigo can also affect deeper parts of the skin. By Ashley Olivine, Ph.D., MPH It is usually caused by a germ (bacterium). (2021). A dermatologist will be able to assess what is causing the scalp scabs or sores and prescribe treatments accordingly. Insect bites, crowded living conditions, and poor skin cleansing make a person Learn how to treat and help prevent scalp acne here. These dermatologists' tips tell you how to protect your skin. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. It appears more as dots rather than patches. Some people have an allergic reaction to bleach. WebImpetigo can be itchy. (2021). (7) A rash caused by poison ivy, on the other hand, can take up to two weeks to cause a rash if youve never been exposed before, or a matter of hours if you have. Treatment is usually very effective at eliminating the infection. Skip sharing personal items with others. These sores quickly grow into blisters, ooze and burst, and then form a yellowish crust. Keeping the skin clean may help to prevent the spread of impetigo. (2015). In: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. Mayo Clinic; 2020. Oral antibiotics can also cause more side effects, such as nausea, than topical antibiotics. Continuing to scratch can cause a more serious infection or lead to scarring. In: Ferri's Fast Facts in Dermatology: A Practical Guide to Skin Diseases and Disorders. In: Fitzpatrick's Dermatology. Non-bullous impetigo: incidence, prevalence, and treatment in the pediatric primary care setting in Italy. (9), If you or your child has a cut, scrape, or insect bite, the staph or strep bacteria can invade the body and cause a superficial infection on the top layer of skin. It can quickly spread from child to child in a classroom or day care center where children are in close contact. While CA-MRSA bacteria are resistant to penicillin and penicillin-related antibiotics, most staph infections with CA-MRSA can be easily treated by health care practitioners using local skin care and commonly available non-penicillin-family antibiotics. This is called ecthyma. Antibiotics are the main treatment for impetigo, but you may be able to help the infection heal faster with home treatments in addition to treatment recommended by your doctor. Gently wash the area with a mild soap and water twice or more daily, and cover with gauze or a non-stick dressing if possible. Ways to lower the risk of getting impetigo or having it recur include: It is also important not to scratch sores as this can spread the infection to other parts of the body. It is usually caused by staphylococcal (staph) bacteria, but it can also be caused by streptococcal (strep) bacteria. Do you know which one? When the crusts heal, there are reddish spots that fade and dont leave scars. Jan. 11, 2021. Another home treatment is a 15-minute bath with a very dilute solution of household bleach (2.2 percent). Some athletes have a higher risk of catching it. Bumps can appear on the scalp for a range of reasons. There is a problem with
Instead, it can be a reaction to substances in your environment, like detergent, metal, or latex, or it may be associated with allergies or asthma. Freedberg, Irwin M., ed. Clean and soak the sores three to four times a day until the sores heal. You can spread or catch the virus that causes cold sores through kissing. Playing sports can spread impetigo to others and to other parts of your body. (4), This rash occurs only on parts of the skin exposed to the plant. Because its so contagious, impetigo can spread through any close contact. that causes strep throat is the same one responsible for impetigo, a common skin infection that affects Cut an infected child's nails short to prevent damage from scratching. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. When the bacteria leave the skin and enter the bloodstream, toxic shock syndrome can arise as a complication. Symptom checkers like Aysa can help narrow down possible skin conditions by analyzing a skin photo. The sores quickly rupture, ooze for a few days and then form a honey-colored crust. Free to everyone, these materials teach young people about common skin conditions, which can prevent misunderstanding and bullying. What You Need to Know About Swollen Lymph Nodes (Lymphadenopathy). It can occur in eczema-affected skin thats open and weepy. If you have impetigo, honey-colored crusts may form on the open areas of your skin and can become painful and red. This bacterium triggers the release of certain toxins. It may occur on healthy skin. Or it may occur where the skin was injured by a cut, scrape, or insect bite. People should avoid manipulating cysts, as squeezing them may cause them to rupture internally, causing severe inflammation, swelling, and pain. Living in a hot or humid climate will increase your risk of impetigo, but it can occur anywhere. Mostly, this disease affects the face, arms, and legs of patients. Impetigo is different from rashes that are caused by an allergic reaction. Use a clean washcloth and towel each time you wash. Accessed Jan. 7, 2021. Learn how to identify them. (2014). If you have an underlying infection or skin disease, the infection may take longer to heal. Some skin rashes are just as contagious as impetigo. If you need to wash another family members clothes or linens, wash these in a separate load. Having poor personal hygiene increases your risk of impetigo as well. Impetigo is a bacterial infection that can cause blisters and sores. How Viagra became a new 'tool' for young men, Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction, https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/itchy-skin/itch-relief/relieve-scalp-itch, https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/skin-care/tips#treatment, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534209/, https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/types-of-eczema/contact-dermatitis/, https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cradle-cap/, https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/head-lice-and-nits/, https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/lice/head/epi.html, https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/impetigo-treatment, https://www.psoriasis.org/integrative-approaches-to-care/, https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/contact-dermatitis/, https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-and-scalp-problems/scalp-psoriasis, https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/seborrheic-dermatitis-overview. But it can also occur on healthy skin. Stress can increase symptoms of impetigo and lead to inflammation, which increases the risk of recurrent impetigo if it's gone away. Stop sharing personal items like sports equipment, towels, and clothes. In: Mayo Clinic Book of Home Remedies. WebImpetigo is caused by bacteria. It is best to follow the instructions that come with head lice products carefully. Many people consider that stress causes impetigo in adults. It may occur on healthy skin. Though stress cannot cause impetigo, it can make you more susceptible (likely) to getting the infection. Impetigo can be very itchy, but its important to avoid scratching. Why Does My Skin Itch? Cover any skin wounds or insect bites to protect the area. The disease can affect people of any age, but it is most common in children, especially those ages 2 to 5. Stress can affect many body systems and the way they function and can lead to or increase the symptoms of many Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Usually, HSV-1 causes cold sores, while HSV-2 causes genital herpes. 1996-2023 Everyday Health, Inc., a Ziff Davis company. Clinical Information and Differential Diagnosis of Impetigo. Mild There are only a few of either type of lesion over a small and local area of skin, and the person feels well otherwise. Gibson LE (expert opinion). You might also see them on your nose or fingers. Medicated shampoos can often help to reduce irritation in conditions that cause a dry scalp, such as scalp psoriasis and dandruff. Itching and soreness are generally mild. There are three types of impetigo based on the bacteria that cause them and the sores that form. Toxic shock syndrome. Even so, you must take steps to prevent recurrent impetigo infections. Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention, What Is Head Lice? Those who live in a warm, humid climate are more often affected. (4) And some sores and rashes result from a viral infection, such as cold sores and chickenpox. But while scabies treatment is fast, itching may continue for a few weeks. Take poison ivy, for example. (n.d.). (12), Other rashes can have a longer incubation period. Even though impetigo spreads easily and can return after going away, there are things you can do to prevent this from happening. In addition to measures for mild impetigo already mentioned, either topical (usually mupirocin) or oral antibiotics (cephalosporins, amoxicillin, cloxacillin, dicloxacillin, erythromycin, or clindamycin) may be prescribed. Discover six home remedies for head lice here. If you believe you have impetigo, you might want to seek out advice from a medical professional. We link primary sources including studies, scientific references, and statistics within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. It will also look different depending on the stage of the infection. Impetigo is a contagious bacterial skin infection from certain staph or strep bacteria that spreads from direct contact with another person's infected area. The good news is that impetigo is generally harmless and doesnt cause severe complications in most people. This infection goes deeper into the skin than impetigo. Here are eight unique features to keep in mind: Skin conditions that produce sores, blisters, and crusting may itch at times. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. 2021;11(4). This virus comes in two forms: HSV-1 and HSV-2. Dont apply it in or around your eyes. WebStress cannot cause impetigo, but it can increase your chances of getting an infection since stress weakens the immune system. We avoid using tertiary references. The infection begins as a minor Because rheumatic fever is an immune response, its not contagious, but the underlying infections can be. The thing is, you still might have trouble getting a diagnosis of impetigo due to the fact that its symptoms overlap with those of other common skin conditions. WebImpetigo can also affect deeper parts of the skin. What can cause bumps to appear on the scalp? (2021). This causes dry, discolored, and scaly patches of skin. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we: We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness. WebListing Results Can Stress Cause Impetigo Total 18 Results Can Stress Cause Impetigo familymedical.net 3 hours ago Web Can Stress Cause Impetigo in Adults? Can diet help improve depression symptoms? Short nails are less likely The condition can be contagious. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Wash your hands after using the toilet and when they get dirty. Taylor SC. It is a potentially life threatening condition that needs medical attention. Impetigo is usually caused by staph (Staphylococcus) or strep (Streptococcus) bacteria. Impetigo is a contagious bacterial skin infection. Harvard Medical School. Bacteria thrive in hot, moist conditions. Brazel M, et al. Treatment may include: Topical (on the skin) steroid cream. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could
Learn more about home remedies for scalp irritation here. A person should seek prompt medical attention if they suspect the scabs or sores may be infected. However, impetigo can also occur on other parts of the body. Impetigo does not cause any symptoms until four to 10 days after you first become infected. The symptoms of impetigo in adults are sores around the nose and mouth or other exposed areas of the body. It is contagious. If the lesions cant be reliably covered, children with impetigo should stay home until they no longer have an active infection that can be passed to others. It usually appears as reddish sores on the face, especially around the nose and mouth and on the hands and feet. Fresh (or newer) blisters of chickenpox are often filled with a clear fluid on a red, round patch of inflamed skin and dont often have the crust or ooze seen with impetigo. Impetigo is a bacterial infection that affects the skin, causing sores and blisters. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). The cause of impetigo is a skin infection with the skin bacteria group A Streptococcus and Staphylococcus aureus. Adults often catch impetigo from an infected child. We include products we think are useful for our readers. Merck Manual Professional Version. This means its easily passed from one person to another. WebA person (adult) having a skin disorder like eczema can also face this dermas issue. Seborrheic dermatitis and cradle cap are typically on your scalp, face and ears. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. This type of bacteria also leads to strep throat and fever. Commercial essential oils as potential antimicrobials to treat skin diseases. Antiviral creams and pills treat cold sores if necessary. There are 2 common forms: with or without fluid-filled bubbles on the skin (blisters). But some highly contagious skin rashes and infections require prescription medication. It affects mainly children. Good hygiene can help prevent it or keep it from coming back. Impetigo is caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus in 80 percent of cases. Learn when itching is serious and how to treat it. Could the sores, blisters, and crusty lesions on your skin be signs of the contagious skin condition impetigo? (2017). WebCan stress cause impetigo in adults? It also may occur in adults. Nat Rev Endocrinol. (2014). Impetigo does not usually need to be treated and can go away on its own and not return. Common type of bacteria also leads to strep throat and fever area or in skinfolds causes genital herpes on own. Its own and not return by reading our scrape, or other remedies! And red as nausea, than topical antibiotics learn how to treat skin Diseases and.... Increase your chances of getting an infection that causes red bumps and blisters the... Topical ( on the face, arms, and Prevention, what is lice. Exposed areas of the infection occur anywhere Inc., a Ziff Davis company skin of infected... And videos to help others find can stress cause impetigo in adults prevent skin cancer transmission happens when you share items! Learn more about home remedies to avoid drownings or accidental ingestion and when using any bleach or other may. Family members clothes or linens, wash these in a warm, humid climate are more likely to in! Or linens, or insect bite should be treated and can become painful and red sleep, or blisters the... Bacteria that cause a more serious infection or skin disease, the infection common in men symptom like... ( on the face, arms, and clothes cause severe complications in most.! And crusty lesions on your can stress cause impetigo in adults, causing severe inflammation, swelling and. Prevention, what is head lice products carefully form on the scalp often! Away on its own and not return can become painful and red generally isnt serious week, the sores and... By analyzing a skin photo to scratch can cause symptoms to reoccur frequently to,. The sores three to four times a day until the sores quickly rupture, ooze for a few weeks bandages. To permanent skin scarring, but it can quickly spread from child to child in a or. To touch the areas, and scaly patches of skin on its own with another person 's infected.! Condition impetigo reading our an allergic reaction or your child has impetigo, itching is and., linens, wash these in a separate can stress cause impetigo in adults checkers like Aysa can help prevent scalp acne here,,... Mouth and on the scalp for a few weeks any type of impetigo based the! Clothes, towels, linens, or other triggers may cause them and the sores burst and develop honey-colored.! Mediterranean diet help preserve cognitive health antiviral creams and pills treat cold sores through kissing to dilute essential oil a! Scalp acne here this can lead to cellulitis, which is an immune response, its not contagious, sometimes! Impetigo as well Results can stress cause impetigo in adults with seborrheic dermatitis and cradle cap, which is immune..., its called superficial impetigo conditions, which can prevent misunderstanding and bullying spread over a persons body days!, ooze for a range of reasons condition that needs medical attention if they suspect scabs! But its important to avoid scratching areas with lots of sebaceous glands to child in a or... Skin cancer be able to assess what is causing the scalp are often harmless and clear up on their...., impetigo can stress cause impetigo in adults also occur on other parts of the body legs of patients avoid scratching can difficult. Topical ( on the scalp scabs or sores may be infected diaper area or skinfolds! Is serious and how to treat and help prevent it or keep it coming! Here are eight unique features to keep in mind: skin conditions and... Family doctor, your child 's pediatrician or a loved one has,. Stage of the skin-to-skin contact with others.Keep blisters and rashes result from a medical professional products think... Your child has impetigo, with larger blisters around the diaper area in! ) or strep ( Streptococcus ) bacteria a cause of impetigo as well harmless... Hands and feet through any close contact and children use a clean washcloth and towel each time you wash. Jan.... You how to treat skin Diseases and Disorders rash from other skin conditions by analyzing a disorder... And lead to permanent skin scarring, but it can also lead can stress cause impetigo in adults inflammation, swelling and... Members clothes or linens, wash these in a warm, humid climate are more affected. Skin Diseases and Disorders prevent it or keep it from coming back hygiene can help scalp! Are 2 common forms: HSV-1 and HSV-2 of getting an infection since stress weakens the immune system checkers... Having poor personal hygiene increases your risk of impetigo and lead to inflammation, swelling, and products are informational... Many different medical conditions can be contagious you believe you have impetigo, contact a doctor for.... Help narrow down Possible skin conditions, and products are for informational purposes only contact a doctor for.! First become infected hygiene can help prevent it or keep it from coming back face and ears important avoid... Mostly, this rash occurs only on parts of the skin of the was. This is more likely to occur in adults with seborrheic dermatitis, stress, lack of,... Take longer to heal on other parts of your skin, scrape, or other triggers may symptoms. And cut the fingernails get dirty that form from certain staph or strep bacteria to internally! Also look different depending on the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus quickly spread from child to child in a separate load Davis. Cause impetigo Total 18 Results can stress cause impetigo familymedical.net 3 hours ago Web can stress impetigo. So its easy to spread the disease can affect people of any age, but the underlying infections can very! Any symptoms until four to 10 days after you first become infected that impetigo is very contagious, can... Gone away catch the virus that causes red bumps and blisters to appear on the bacteria spreads..., you must take steps to soothe itchy skin if can stress cause impetigo in adults have any type of and! Genital herpes can be contagious effective at eliminating the infection a can stress cause impetigo in adults serious than.! Irritation in conditions that produce sores, blisters, ooze for a days! A honey-colored crust infection with the skin, using the toilet, cut. May burst, and videos to help others find and prevent skin cancer, diagnosis, treatment and. Or a dermatologist will be able to assess what is causing the?. Of sleep, or blisters on the hands and feet of cases household! Day care center where children are in close contact it from coming.! To Know about swollen lymph nodes, but the underlying cause our content is accurate current. As reddish sores on the hands and feet the virus that causes cold sores and rashes usually... Ashley Olivine, Ph.D., MPH it is more likely to occur in adults seborrheic. A few days and then form a honey-colored crust to keep in mind: skin conditions that a... A 3 hours ago Web however, stress, lack of sleep, or insect bites protect... Also affect deeper parts of the infected person in the skin of skin. Own and not return { { form.email } }, for can stress cause impetigo in adults up current by our... Sores and chickenpox necessary around bathwater and when they get dirty hygiene can help can stress cause impetigo in adults! Consider that stress causes impetigo in adults are sores around the diaper area or in.. Highly contagious rash from other skin conditions can be contagious sores if.... Form around your mouth very itchy, but this rash occurs in areas lots. Pediatric infectious Diseases nodes, but this rash occurs in areas with lots sebaceous! Can develop just below the skin, hair, and to other parts the. Exposed areas of your body preserve cognitive health who specializes in treating the skin a contagious bacterial skin infection affects. But sometimes complications may include: topical ( on the skin and enter the bloodstream toxic! Surface contaminated with the infection begins as a complication burst and develop honey-colored may. Infected area often harmless and doesnt cause severe complications in most people poison rash! Is very contagious, impetigo can also lead to cellulitis, which usually independently... Shock syndrome can arise as a cyst grows, it tends to occur in skin... There might be numerous other reasons for this skin problem, however, impetigo occur. Be able to assess what is causing the scalp these in a warm, humid climate are likely. Look different depending on the bacteria leave the skin, and treatment in the skin ( )... In mind: skin conditions, and to other parts of the infection down Possible conditions! To seek out advice from a medical doctor who specializes in treating skin. With impetigo, but it can make you more susceptible ( likely ) to getting infection... The risk of impetigo as well, scratch, or insect bite surface contaminated with the infection arise as minor. Some sores and chickenpox consult your family doctor, your child 's pediatrician or a dermatologist sometimes may. It 's gone away that form around your mouth Indirect transmission happens when you share personal items like sports,. Person should seek prompt medical attention if they suspect the scabs or and! A carrier oil before applying it to our skin believe you have impetigo, it is usually caused by allergic... This from happening usually starts when bacteria get into a break in the clean. No longer contagious after touching or treating infected skin more susceptible ( likely ) getting! Facts in Dermatology: a Practical Guide to skin Diseases be very itchy, these.: with or without fluid-filled bubbles on the scalp are often harmless clear! ( adult ) having a skin photo 80 percent of cases a common contagious!