Impetigo

What can be done to prevent the infection?

Benzoyl peroxide soap can help prevent impetigo in people who experience repeated bouts of impetigo.

What are the long-term effects of the infection?

Impetigo may progress to deeper skin ulcers and can spread over large areas of skin. Certain streptococcal organisms also cause kidney disease.

What are the risks to others?

Impetigo is highly contagious and spreads from person to person by direct contact with the skin lesions. It can also be spread by towels, bedding, and clothing from an infected person. Special care should be taken to avoid transmitting the infection to newborn babies.