Impetigo Treatment

Last Updated: October 31, 2026

Lifestyle Modifications

Prevent the spread of infection, promote healing, and avoid recurrence.

Stay home from work, school, or nursery until no longer contagious (48 hours after starting treatment or when patches dry and crust over).
Wash affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water, ensuring they are dried completely.
Practice frequent hand washing, especially before and after applying antibiotic creams.
Regularly wash flannels, towels, sheets, and pillowcases at a high temperature to kill bacteria.
Clean children's toys with detergent and warm water if they have impetigo.
Avoid touching or scratching sores, blisters, or crusty patches to prevent spread and scarring.
Refrain from close contact with vulnerable individuals, such as babies, people with diabetes, or those with weakened immune systems.
Do not share personal items like flannels, towels, or bedding.
Avoid preparing food for others if you have active impetigo.
Refrain from activities like going to the gym or playing contact sports.
Keep minor skin injuries (cuts, scratches, insect bites) clean with soap and water.
Seek prompt treatment for underlying skin conditions like eczema or scabies that can predispose to impetigo.

ConsultGeneral PractitionerDermatologist

Medicinal Treatment

Eliminate the bacterial infection, resolve symptoms, and prevent complications.

Topical hydrogen peroxide cream applied directly to the affected areas.
Topical antibiotic creams for localized infections.
Oral antibiotic tablets for more widespread or severe infections, or for infants and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Antiseptic body washes and/or nasal ointments may be prescribed for recurrent impetigo to eliminate carrier bacteria.
Complete the full course of prescribed cream or antibiotic tablets, even if symptoms improve, to ensure complete eradication of the infection.

ConsultGeneral PractitionerPharmacistDermatologist

Surgical Treatment

Not applicable, as surgery is not a primary treatment for impetigo.

Surgical intervention is generally not required for impetigo, as it is a superficial bacterial skin infection effectively managed with topical and/or oral medications.
In rare cases of severe complications, such as abscess formation, drainage might be considered, but this is not a standard impetigo treatment.
Diagnosis and management of impetigo primarily fall under dermatological and general medical care rather than surgical specialties.

ConsultGeneral PractitionerDermatologist

Specialists

General PractitionerDermatologistPharmacist

About This Disease

Learn about the causes, symptoms, and diagnosis of Impetigo Treatment.

Know more about Impetigo Treatment

Lifestyle Modifications

Prevent the spread of infection, promote healing, and avoid recurrence.

Stay home from work, school, or nursery until no longer contagious (48 hours after starting treatment or when patches dry and crust over).

Wash affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water, ensuring they are dried completely.

Practice frequent hand washing, especially before and after applying antibiotic creams.

Regularly wash flannels, towels, sheets, and pillowcases at a high temperature to kill bacteria.

Clean children's toys with detergent and warm water if they have impetigo.

Avoid touching or scratching sores, blisters, or crusty patches to prevent spread and scarring.

Refrain from close contact with vulnerable individuals, such as babies, people with diabetes, or those with weakened immune systems.

Do not share personal items like flannels, towels, or bedding.

Avoid preparing food for others if you have active impetigo.

Refrain from activities like going to the gym or playing contact sports.

Keep minor skin injuries (cuts, scratches, insect bites) clean with soap and water.

Seek prompt treatment for underlying skin conditions like eczema or scabies that can predispose to impetigo.

ConsultGeneral PractitionerDermatologist

Medicinal Treatment

Eliminate the bacterial infection, resolve symptoms, and prevent complications.

Topical hydrogen peroxide cream applied directly to the affected areas.

Topical antibiotic creams for localized infections.

Oral antibiotic tablets for more widespread or severe infections, or for infants and individuals with weakened immune systems.

Antiseptic body washes and/or nasal ointments may be prescribed for recurrent impetigo to eliminate carrier bacteria.

Complete the full course of prescribed cream or antibiotic tablets, even if symptoms improve, to ensure complete eradication of the infection.

ConsultGeneral PractitionerPharmacistDermatologist

Surgical Treatment

Not applicable, as surgery is not a primary treatment for impetigo.

Surgical intervention is generally not required for impetigo, as it is a superficial bacterial skin infection effectively managed with topical and/or oral medications.

In rare cases of severe complications, such as abscess formation, drainage might be considered, but this is not a standard impetigo treatment.

Diagnosis and management of impetigo primarily fall under dermatological and general medical care rather than surgical specialties.

ConsultGeneral PractitionerDermatologist

Impetigo Treatment

Lifestyle Modifications

Medicinal Treatment

Surgical Treatment

Contents

Specialists

About This Disease

Impetigo Treatment

Lifestyle Modifications

Medicinal Treatment

Surgical Treatment

Contents

Specialists

About This Disease