Impetigo

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is impetigo?

  Impetigo is a highly contagious bacterial skin infection caused most often by Staphylococcus aureus and sometimes by Group A Streptococcus bacteria. It starts as red sores or fluid-filled blisters that typically appear around the nose, mouth, hands, or arms; these burst and form a distinctive honey-coloured crust. Most commonly affecting children between 2 and 5 years old, it can develop in anyone — especially in warm, humid conditions or when skin is broken by a cut, insect bite, or rash.

• Is impetigo contagious?

  Yes, impetigo is highly contagious. It spreads through direct contact with infected skin or by touching contaminated objects such as towels, clothing, or shared toys. People with impetigo should stay home from school or daycare until they have been on antibiotics for at least 24 to 48 hours and the sores are fully covered or healed.

• How do you get rid of impetigo in 24 hours?

  While impetigo cannot be fully cleared in 24 hours, starting prescription antibiotic treatment promptly — whether a topical cream or oral antibiotics — can produce noticeable improvement within one to two days. A Rexall Pharmacist can assess your symptoms and prescribe the right medication the same day, if appropriate, helping you get on the path to recovery as quickly as possible.

• What does impetigo look like?

  Impetigo typically begins as small red bumps or blisters that quickly rupture, weep fluid, and then form a thick, honey-coloured or golden-brown crust. The sores are often itchy and appear most commonly around the nose, mouth, hands, and arms. In a less common form called bullous impetigo, larger, fluid-filled blisters develop that may take longer to burst.

• How do you get impetigo?

  Impetigo is caused by bacteria entering the skin through a cut, scrape, insect bite, or existing rash. It spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person, or by touching contaminated surfaces, clothing, or towels. Warm, humid weather and crowded environments such as schools or daycares increase the risk of transmission.

• How is impetigo treated?

  Impetigo is treated with prescription antibiotics — a topical antibiotic cream such as mupirocin or fusidic acid is commonly used for mild or localized infections, while more extensive or severe cases may require oral antibiotics. Gently washing and softening the crusted sores before applying cream can improve effectiveness. It is important to complete the full course of treatment even if symptoms improve early.

• How long does impetigo last with treatment?

  With appropriate antibiotic treatment, impetigo typically clears up within 7 to 10 days. Improvement is often visible within a couple of days of starting antibiotics. Without treatment, the infection can persist and spread to other parts of the body or to other people.

• How long does impetigo live on surfaces?

  The bacteria that cause impetigo can survive on surfaces such as towels, clothing, and toys for several hours to a few days, depending on conditions. Regularly cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces and washing contaminated items in hot water can help reduce the risk of spread to others in your household.

• Can a Rexall Pharmacist help with impetigo?

  Yes. In most Canadian provinces, a Rexall Pharmacist can assess your symptoms, diagnose impetigo as a minor ailment, and prescribe the appropriate antibiotic treatment — often on the same visit without a doctor’s referral. They can also recommend over-the-counter products and hygiene strategies to help prevent spreading the infection. Book Consultation at your nearest Rexall today.