Skin Infections

Impetigo: Contagious Skin Infection Explained

Honey-coloured crusted patches spreading across little faces are usually impetigo. Pharmacists can help contain it and know when oral antibiotics are safer.

Written by the PharmacyConsultation.ie pharmacy team15 February 20268 min read
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INTRODUCTION

Introduction

Impetigo spreads fast in schools and busy households. The classic honey crusts look alarming, but swift treatment keeps it localised and prevents transmission.

Pharmacists can support topical antibiotic plans for small outbreaks and make sure parents know when a GP needs to step in.

WHAT IS IMPETIGO?

What Is Impetigo?

Impetigo is a superficial bacterial infection caused mostly by Staphylococcus aureus and occasionally Streptococcus pyogenes. Non-bullous impetigo (small pustules that crust) represents about 70% of cases, while bullous impetigo causes larger blisters due to toxin-producing staph.

CAUSES & SYMPTOMS

Causes & Symptoms

It often follows a break in the skin—eczema, scratches—or simply close contact with someone who already has lesions. Within 24–48 hours a red patch becomes a small blister that ruptures and forms the golden crust.

Features to note:

  • Painless or mildly itchy erosions with yellow/brown crusts on the face or limbs
  • Rapid spread when children scratch or share towels
  • One-to-two lesions that respond well to topical therapy
  • Bullous lesions with clear fluid, especially in nappy areas

TREATMENT & PHARMACY SUPPORT

Treatment & Pharmacy Support

For limited non-bullous impetigo we advise meticulous hygiene and prescribe-grade topical antibiotics such as mupirocin three times daily for seven days. Families receive clear instructions about covering lesions, nail trimming, and cleaning fabrics.

We also cover:

  • Criteria for escalating to oral flucloxacillin or cephalexin (multiple lesions, fever, cellulitis)
  • Keeping children home until 24–48 hours of antibiotics have passed
  • Preventing spread within households by isolating towels and bedding
  • Spotting complications like cellulitis or abscesses early

RED FLAGS

Red Flags

Seek urgent medical help if:

  • Redness extends beyond lesion borders or swelling becomes painful (cellulitis)
  • The child develops fever, lethargy, vomiting, or rapid lesion spread
  • Lesions track toward the eyes or mucous membranes
  • Impetigo occurs in immunocompromised patients or infants

STOP THE SPREAD QUICKLY

Stop the Spread Quickly

Book a CCS consultation at the first sign of honey-coloured crusts. Early pharmacy intervention keeps children comfortable, prevents outbreaks, and ensures the right escalation path if oral therapy is needed.

Ready to feel better?

CCS pharmacists offer same-day triage, prescriptions, and safety-netting. Share a few symptoms online, pick a time, and collect treatment locally.

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This article is educational and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice. If you feel unwell, contact your pharmacist, GP, or emergency services.