Impetigo is a skin infection that’s very contagious but not usually serious. It often gets better in 7 to 10 days with treatment. Anyone can get it, but it’s very common in young children.
Check if your child has impetigo
Impetigo starts with red sores or blisters, which quickly burst and leave crusty, golden-brown patches. These can:
- Look a bit like cornflakes stuck to your child’s skin
- They can get bigger
- They can spread to other parts of your child’s body
- They can be itchy
- They can be painful sometimes
Sores (non-bullous impetigo) or blisters (bullous impetigo) can start anywhere – but usually on exposed areas like your child’s face and hands. It’s also common for blisters to start around your child’s middle.