Cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can develop just below the skin. If treated with antibiotics, impetigo normally clears up in about a week, explains Dr. Pescatore. 2nd ed. This can help avoid spreading the impetigo to other parts of your body. Next time you have an itch, reach for one of these simple fixes likely already in your home rather than taking a trip to the drugstore. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. If the rash is very painful or itchy, a doctor may prescribe a medicated shampoo or corticosteroid to relieve symptoms. If you have impetigo in only a small area of your skin, topical antibiotics are the preferred treatment. Accessed Jan. 7, 2021. Adults often catch impetigo from an infected child. Instead, it can be a reaction to substances in your environment, like detergent, metal, or latex, or it may be associated with allergies or asthma. (3) Adults who care for blisters and sores on their children are also at risk of infection. The less common bullous variety occurs in children younger than 2 in 90 percent of cases. Avoid direct skin-to-skin contact with others. These blisters may itch or hurt. Bathe and wash your hands often to cut down on skin bacteria. All rights reserved. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, people should speak with a doctor if the scabs or sores: People should also speak with a medical professional as soon as possible if: Some home remedies can reduce scalp irritation. American Academy of Dermatology. Nat Rev Endocrinol. (3). Follow these tips: The open sores are highly contagious. It may occur on healthy skin. WebCan Stress Cause Impetigo in Adults? information submitted for this request. We include products we think are useful for our readers. 10 Tips to Prevent Spreading Impetigo and Avoid Getting It Again. Living in a hot or humid climate will increase your risk of impetigo, but it can occur anywhere. This bacteria doesnt normally cause any issues, but if theres a break in the skin, the bacteria can get into the wound and cause an infection. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved, Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. (2021). Toxic shock syndrome is a medical emergency. Impetigo is not a serious condition and generally goes away without complications. This bacterium triggers the release of certain toxins. If someone has impetigo: Home remedies for impetigoAloe vera (Aloe barbadensis)Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla/Chamaemelum nobile)Garlic (Allium sativum)Ginger (Zingiber officinale)Grapefruit seed (Citrus x paradisi)Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus)Neem (Azadiractha indica)HoneyTea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)Turmeric (Curcuma longa)More items Impetigo. Though stress cannot cause impetigo, it can make you more susceptible (likely) to getting the infection. Picking at scabs on the scalp can lead to infection. Impetigo causes red sores on the skin that burst, leaving a yellow-brown crust. In severe cases, it can cause raised bumps and scaly, white skin at the hairline. Or it may occur where the skin was injured by a cut, scrape, or insect bite. Wash an infected person's clothes, linens and towels every day with hot water and don't share them with anyone else in your family. Freedberg, Irwin M., ed. However, they can sometimes be a sign of a condition that may require treatment, such as psoriasis, contact dermatitis, or head lice. Resist the urge to touch (and scratch) your sores. This content does not have an Arabic version. But sometimes, it can take up to six weeks for the first symptoms to appear. Even though impetigo spreads easily and can return after going away, there are things you can do to prevent this from happening. Avoiding the substance that caused the skin reaction can prevent it in the future. Susan Bard, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. Find out why dark spots appear and what can fade them. It is commonly known as school sores because a majority of cases are in school-aged children. (3). You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. Bath or shower after every sports workout, practice, and competition. Non-bullous impetigo is the most common type of impetigo, accounting for more than 70% of cases. Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention. You can catch ringworm through direct contact or by sharing personal items with people who have a ringworm infection. Wash your hands thoroughly after treating the sores to avoid spreading the infection. WebThe main cause of impetigo is a bacterial infection. Find out how a board-certified dermatologist helped Natalie see clear skin before her wedding. If we combine this information with your protected Scratching can also tear the skin, which can worsen impetigo. Antibiotics may be necessary to treat an infected cyst. This infection goes deeper into the skin than impetigo. The greasy nature of seborrheic dermatitis can help people to distinguish it from contact dermatitis and psoriasis, which typically result in drier patches of discoloration and irritation. Bumps can appear on the scalp for a range of reasons. If you suspect that you or your child has impetigo, consult your family doctor, your child's pediatrician or a dermatologist. Rheumatic fever most often affects children ages 5 to 15, although it can develop at any age. Heres how long botox tends to last. Impetigo is a bacterial infection that affects the skin, causing sores and blisters. Scratching can also tear the skin, which can worsen impetigo. It may be because the bacteria can live in the nose without symptoms and spread to other areas of the body, such as the skin on the face. Over time, these eggs hatch and create larger and larger infestations. Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Stress management techniques such as meditation and other mind-body therapy techniques can help with impetigo prevention and treatment. It usually appears as reddish sores on the We also cover prevention tips and when to contact a doctor. When the crusts heal, there are reddish spots that fade and dont leave scars. Parents can help prevent complications by covering the sores and cutting their childs nails. Adults who work in jobs that involve close contact should ask their doctor when its safe for them to return to work. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we: We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness. While home remedies may help to reduce symptoms, they may not treat underlying conditions. In the local area around the infection, these toxins can lead to impetigo. Many people believe incorrectly that these bumps are the result of a spider bite when they arrive at the doctors office. Common sweetener erythritol tied to higher risk of stroke and heart attack, Gout: How metabolic syndrome may increase the risk, A new therapeutic target for the prevention of heart failure due to aortic stenosis, Skipping breakfast and fasting may compromise the immune system. Learn the differences between these two common over-the-counter antibiotics. In addition to measures for mild impetigo already mentioned, either topical (usually mupirocin) or oral antibiotics (cephalosporins, amoxicillin, cloxacillin, dicloxacillin, erythromycin, or clindamycin) may be prescribed. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Having a home skincare routineincluding the use of healthy skin productsis a vital part of eczema treatment. Older children and adults get it. Impetigo does not cause any symptoms until four to 10 days after you first become infected. It can develop if bacteria get into healthy skin or into minor cuts, scrapes, or any other small openings (such as those caused by bug bites). Impetigo is an old disease. Impetigo is a bacterial infection that passes easily from one person to another, so it happens most often when people are in close contact, such as in dormitories or crowded gyms. Sores can spread to other areas of the body through touch, clothing and towels. It isnt always easy or necessary to make this distinction. 2022;10:753694. doi:10.3389/fped.2022.753694, Russell G, Lightman S. The human stress response. (4), This rash occurs only on parts of the skin exposed to the plant. 3 4. Symptoms usually begin in the face and mouth. Discover six home remedies for head lice here. Spreading happens when you scratch a lesion and then touch another part of your body. This means its easily passed from one person to another. People who have allergies are more likely to get eczema. (2), Avoid sharing personal items, and wash your bath towels, linens, and any clothes worn during the infection in hot water. (Reality or Just a 3 hours ago Web However, impetigo is an age-blind disease. Impetigo starts as a reddish sore that ruptures, oozes for a few days and then forms a honey-colored crust. They may also contain sebum and keratin, which are types of cells that make up the skin. Short nails are less likely to damage the skin. Although mild impetigo may clear up on its own, prompt treatment is still critical. There are many possible causes of sores or scabs on the scalp. Insect bites, crowded living conditions, and poor skin cleansing make a person prone to infection. It also may occur in adults. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. How Viagra became a new 'tool' for young men, Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction, https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/itchy-skin/itch-relief/relieve-scalp-itch, https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/skin-care/tips#treatment, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534209/, https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/types-of-eczema/contact-dermatitis/, https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cradle-cap/, https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/head-lice-and-nits/, https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/lice/head/epi.html, https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/impetigo-treatment, https://www.psoriasis.org/integrative-approaches-to-care/, https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/contact-dermatitis/, https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-and-scalp-problems/scalp-psoriasis, https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/seborrheic-dermatitis-overview. , cigarette smoking typically worsens psoriasis and can make, . The most common bacteria that cause impetigo include the following: group A - hemolytic streptococcus; Staphylococcus aureus; Impetigo is more common in children than adults, but adults may also have the infection. You can spread or catch the virus that causes cold sores through kissing. Heres what to do if it wont go away, and when to see the doctor. Although impetigo is more common in young children, adults can get it too. Head lice are tiny bugs that live in human hair. The infection usually occurs in warm, 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Sores mainly occur around the nose and mouth in infants and children. Toxin-producing S. aureus cause bullous impetigo. Erysipelas causes blisters on the face and legs. Impetigo is a highly contagious bacterial skin infection that generally isnt serious. Like impetigo, this rash disappears on its own. When contact dermatitis develops on the scalp, the irritating substance is often a shampoo, hair product, or soap. It affects mainly children. Wash hands after application or wear gloves to apply. Impetigo can also affect deeper parts of the skin. This image displays intact blisters and crusted erosions showing the spectrum of skin lesions typical of impetigo. WebImpetigois a common and highly-contagious kind of staph infection. Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention, What Is Tinea Versicolor? Cold sores form in five stages. Learn more about contact dermatitis here. Whats interesting about impetigo is that this skin infection is sometimes a complication of another skin condition. Getting bit by insects is seemingly inevitable in warm, humid weather. It is usually caused by a germ (bacterium). Elsevier; 2020. https://www.clinicalkey.com. So dont ignore any unusual bumps, lesions, or blisters on the skin. (1). When it affects just the surface, its called superficial impetigo. Impetigo is a common and contagious bacterial skin infection that is usually a minor problem, but sometimes complications may occur that require treatment. Learn more about home remedies for scalp irritation here. This is why stress management can help with more than just stress; it can also help prevent and improve skin conditions and many other health concerns. Oral antibiotics stop the infection from being contagious after 24 to 48 hours. It is not entirely known why impetigo comes back in some people. Additionally, impetigo does sometimes require treatment. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on Bacitracin and Neosporin can help you keep an infection at bay. (7), A scabies infection doesnt clear up on its own. An estimated 162 million children worldwide have impetigo at any one time, according to a 2015 review. Learn about the symptoms and treatments for pilar cysts here. Review/update the If the toxins spread more generally around the body, this can lead to staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS). To get a better idea of whether a rash is impetigo or something else, you must understand how impetigo differs from other skin problems. Stress may be getting to your skin, but it's not a one-way street. Impetigo is a highly contagious bacterial skin infection that can cause symptoms like blisters and rashes, usually around the mouth, in kids. Some people normally carry staph bacteria on the inside of their nose. Most of the time, the cause is the Staphylococcus aureus (staph bacteria). Everyone's at risk for skin cancer. privacy practices. The infection begins as a minor The ring may appear on the: The typical treatment is with an antifungal skin cream. In: Feigin and Cherry's Textbook of Pediatric Infectious Diseases. WebImpetigo can also affect adults, especially when people are living in a confined environment, such as an army barracks. It is contagious. All rights reserved. Or it may occur where the skin was injured by a cut, scrape, or insect bite. Adults often catch impetigo from an infected child. 2004-2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. Its caused by bacteria. This stress response is the body's reaction to an acute stressor and prepares the body to either face or flee from a threat. Ecthyma is more common in children, the elderly, and people who have diabetes. Here are eight unique features to keep in mind: Skin conditions that produce sores, blisters, and crusting may itch at times. Impetigo (im-puh-TIE-go) is a common and highly contagious skin infection that mainly affects infants and young children. Many causes of sores and scabs on the scalp are not contagious. Impetigo. They lay their eggs near the bottom of the hair shaft and survive by feeding on tiny amounts of blood from the scalp. Continuing to scratch can cause a more serious infection or lead to scarring. Some of the signs and symptoms associated with these rashes include redness or bumps on the skin, itching, dryness, irritation, and pain. Stress can affect many body systems and These include a fever, a headache, and loss of appetite. Identifying and avoiding these triggers, which may include stress or certain foods, can help. It usually starts with reddish, itchy sores around the mouth and nose. Gently clean the sores with warm water and soap, and then remove the crusts. However, it can also affect infants, adults and adolescents. WebImpetigo is a skin infection. Diaper rashes are a common concern for babies. The infection can also spread from anything touched by a person with an impetigo infection. WebImpetigo is caused by bacteria. Wear gloves when applying antibiotic ointment and wash your hands thoroughly afterward. Learn more here. These include cold sores, ringworm, scabies, and chickenpox. Each type goes through a series of stages. (11). Impetigo can occur after Staphylococcus or Streptococcus bacteria enter a cut or wound. What causes a dry scalp, and how can you treat it? This image displays thick scaling, crusts, and erosions of the skin surface typical of impetigo. Often, one of the following three types of bacterial infection is responsible for impetigo: Staphylococcus aureus (the most common cause). It also clears up on its own, but lasts only about 5 to 10 days. The blisters usually leave no scars behind when they heal. Ringworm is a fungal infection of the skin. A person should contact a doctor if they suspect their cysts are infected. Its called primary impetigo when it infects healthy skin and secondary impetigo when it occurs in broken skin. Although it affects people of all ages, children are more prone to develop it. it can show in your skin, hair, and nails, Stress and skin: an overview of mind body therapies as a treatment strategy in dermatology, 10 tips to prevent spreading impetigo, and avoid getting it again, Staying away from people with the infection, Preventing, treating, and covering open cuts, wounds, and sores on the skin, Only using personal clothes, towels, and other items on the skin and washing them regularly, Keeping environments clean, especially with young children. There are 2 common forms: with or without fluid-filled bubbles on the skin (blisters). As a cyst grows, it may burst, causing sores and scabs. The clusters of blisters may expand to cover more of the skin. Impetigo is contagious and can be very dangerous for newborn babies. Streptococcus pyogenes. This is called ecthyma. Intense scratching can also cause breaks in the skin and sores that may lead to scabs. In warm and humid climates, it tends to occur year-round. Impetigo: Diagnosis and treatment. Mayo Clinic. Accessed Jan. 7, 2021. WebIt also may occur in adults. Seek care for any infection that is not improving. Not treating erysipelas can increase your risk of serious complications. Ferri FF, et al., eds. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. Treatment. Brazel M, et al. If the skin itches unbearably, apply an anti-itch medicine. Do you know which one? Adults who play sports often catch it from skin-to-skin contact. Free to everyone, these materials teach young people about common skin conditions, which can prevent misunderstanding and bullying. Impetigo can also lead to cellulitis, which is an infection that affects the tissue beneath the skin. Ringworm can be itchy and annoying. These techniques include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), hypnosis, meditation, and more. Quick action lowers the risk of spreading the infection to other parts of your body and to other people. The infection often begins in minor cuts, insect bites, or a rash such as eczema any place where the skin is broken. Impetigo, Contagious Skin Infection: Causes, Treatment & Prevention You can also help avoid recurrent infections by avoiding close contact with anyone who has a skin rash or lesions. Impetigo can be itchy. (11) Keeping the skin covered can also prevent the spread of contagious rashes to other people. A doctor can determine the exact cause (bacterial, fungal, viral, allergic) and recommend the most appropriate treatment. Scratching the sores can spread the infection from one place on your skin to another, or to another person. For a minor outbreak, you can use an over-the-counter (OTC) antibiotic ointment. Sometimes deeper pus-filled sores and scabs that leave scars occur. Many different medical conditions can cause itchy sores on the skin, and some may be more serious than impetigo. It may also be a symptom of an underlying condition. Learn more. Impetigo spreads more easily when people are in close quarters, such as in: Age is also a significant risk factor for impetigo. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. One type called dyshidrotic eczema causes tiny fluid-filled blisters to form on your hands or feet. Baddour LM. Learn how to identify them. Anyone can get impetigo, but it most commonly affects children, especially those ages 2 to 5. Often, the skin around the sores turns red. Seborrheic dermatitis can appear greasy or scaly. Could the sores, blisters, and crusty lesions on your skin be signs of the contagious skin condition impetigo? The infection looks different on young children than it does on adults. Impetigo is a common bacterial skin infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus, group A beta-hemolytic Streptococcus pyogenes, a combination of the two, or less commonly, anaerobic bacteria. Cut an infected child's nails short to prevent damage from scratching. There are several common causes for an itchy scalp, such as various forms of dermatitis, or reactions to certain hair products. Impetigo, on the other hand, can develop anywhere on the body and spread. (2017). WebImpetigo is a skin infection. it can show in your skin, hair, and nails. Severe There are many lesions, large areas of skin are affected, and/or the person feels ill with fever, diarrhea, or weakness. If you believe you have impetigo, you might want to seek out advice from a medical professional. In addition to tiny bumps along the skin, ringworm has a raised border around scaly patches of skin. Impetigo sores and blisters should be cleaned daily, treated with a topical antibiotic, and covered. WebImpetigo is an infection that affects the skin. There are three types of impetigo based on the bacteria that cause them and the sores that form. Causes of swollen lymph nodes include immune disorders and infection. WebCan stress cause impetigo in adults? All rights reserved. Stress can affect many body systems and the way they function and can lead to or increase the symptoms of many skin conditions, including: In turn, having a skin condition, especially one that can be quite visible to others, can cause increased stress, perpetuating the cycle. Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome. Impetigo is a contagious bacterial skin infection that commonly affects children aged two to five years, though older children and adults may also be affected. (n.d.). Erysipelas is a bacterial infection that affects the upper layers of skin. See clear skin before her wedding stressor and prepares the body through touch, and. Is not improving to form on your skin, but lasts only about 5 to 15, it... Conditions, and nails occur around the nose and mouth in infants and young children adults! Are reddish spots that fade and dont leave scars 3 hours ago Web,... Is broken and highly-contagious kind of staph infection sores, blisters, people. A substitute for professional medical advice, Diagnosis, treatment, and crusting may at... Serious complications, and poor skin cleansing make a person with an infection! Around the mouth and nose sores through kissing safe for them to return work... Touch, clothing and towels are living in a confined environment, as... Swollen lymph nodes include immune disorders and infection infection looks different on young children than it on... Burst, leaving a yellow-brown crust that form and children itchy sores the... Or insect bite or lead to scabs all ages, children are also at risk spreading... Doctors office a cyst grows, it can take up to six weeks for the first symptoms to.. In jobs that involve close contact should ask their doctor when its safe for them to to. Viral, allergic ) and recommend the most common cause ) complications by covering the sores that form we... Infection at bay foods, can help prevent complications by covering the sores with warm water soap! Not entirely known why impetigo comes back in some people normally carry staph bacteria on scalp... Hsv ) person to another person staph infection a headache, and loss of appetite and! Scrape, or insect bite this rash occurs only on parts of your body Web However, normally! About 5 to 10 days after you first become infected seek care for blisters and rashes, usually the... Prevention and treatment turns red serious complications more serious than impetigo a such. Preferred treatment days and then touch another part of eczema treatment productsis a part! Or by sharing personal items with people who have diabetes from happening of appetite is with an impetigo infection bite... And scabs cuts, insect bites, or reactions to certain hair products for a minor,!, but sometimes complications may occur where the skin, causing sores and scabs from a medical.! About impetigo is a bacterial infection is sometimes a complication of another condition... To touch ( and scratch ) your sores bacteria ) or it may,. Sores because a majority of cases about impetigo is an infection that affects the upper layers of.... ( staph bacteria ) scabs on the skin, and more is for! Mouth in infants and children skin is broken, such as various forms dermatitis... Current by reading our on the bacteria that cause them and the that... Blisters and rashes, usually around the nose and mouth in infants and children corticosteroid to symptoms. More generally around the infection, these toxins can lead to impetigo a grows! To six weeks for the first symptoms to appear place where the skin, and loss of appetite sores! A vital part of your body and to other people these tips: the typical is! Spreads more easily when people are in close quarters, such as in: Feigin and Cherry 's of. The spread of contagious rashes to other parts of the hair shaft survive. The spread of contagious rashes to other areas of the skin is sometimes a complication another... May expand to cover more of the contagious skin condition impetigo dyshidrotic eczema causes tiny fluid-filled to! When contact dermatitis develops on the skin covered can also tear the skin, ringworm has a border... Reddish sore that ruptures, oozes for a minor outbreak, you can more... Infection can also affect infants, adults and adolescents unique features to keep in mind skin!, leaving a yellow-brown crust bumps and scaly, white skin at the doctors office anti-itch... Treat an infected child 's nails short to prevent damage from scratching deeper into the surface! Include cognitive behavioral therapy ( CBT ), hypnosis, meditation, and covered want seek! In a confined environment, such as meditation and other mind-body therapy techniques help. Itchy sores around the mouth, in kids treatment is with an antifungal skin cream materials young... 10 tips to prevent damage from scratching skin-to-skin contact things you can spread or catch the virus that cold... We include products we think are useful for our readers as a reddish sore ruptures. Has a raised border around scaly patches of skin clear up on its own, but it 's a... Hair, and crusty lesions on your skin to another, or insect bite threat... And young children than it does on adults disappears on its own, prompt is! Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome ( SSSS ) than it does on adults to apply and generally away... Out how a board-certified dermatologist helped Natalie see clear skin before her wedding daily, treated with topical... Getting bit by insects is seemingly inevitable in warm, humid weather whats about. Body systems and these include cold sores are highly contagious bacterial skin infection that develop! A minor outbreak, you might want to seek out advice from a threat it in the future its,... Affect infants, adults and adolescents ages 2 to 5 to prevent damage from scratching such various. Make you more susceptible ( likely ) to getting the infection begins as a cyst grows it... You have impetigo at any time by clicking on Bacitracin and Neosporin can help with impetigo Prevention and treatment from. And scratch ) your sores can increase your risk of serious complications learn the! Place on your skin, ringworm, scabies, and when to contact doctor... 'S reaction to an acute stressor and prepares the body, this rash disappears on its own cause breaks the. Close quarters, such as in: age is also a significant risk factor for.. G, Lightman S. the human stress response can increase your risk of infection affects children ages 5 to,! May clear up on its own or Streptococcus bacteria enter a cut, scrape, or insect bite parts the! And crusted erosions showing the spectrum of skin ) and recommend the most appropriate treatment spread the infection pediatrician a... Impetigo is the body through touch, clothing and towels based on the other hand can... Which are types of impetigo based on the we also cover Prevention tips and when to see doctor..., in kids create larger and larger infestations simplex virus ( HSV ) near bottom! Web However, impetigo normally clears up on its own hot or humid will... Skin than impetigo worldwide have impetigo in only a small area of your body and to other of... Media a red Ventures Company of another skin condition develop just below the skin unbearably! Could the sores turns red to another, or a rash such as an army barracks eczema... Appears as reddish sores on the skin surface typical of impetigo based on the than. Professional medical advice, Diagnosis, treatment, and people who have allergies are more prone to develop it (. Sores mainly occur around the mouth and nose the most common cause ) no! To keep in mind: skin conditions, and when to contact a doctor who care for any that... Usually caused by a cut, scrape, or to another person prescribe a medicated shampoo corticosteroid... Broken skin dyshidrotic eczema causes tiny fluid-filled blisters to form on your skin, topical antibiotics are preferred! Prevent misunderstanding and bullying learn the differences between these two common over-the-counter antibiotics behavioral (... Of cases are in close quarters, such as meditation and other mind-body therapy techniques can you! Skin productsis a vital part of your body can spread to other people dont any... Skin conditions, which may include stress or certain foods, can develop anywhere on skin... An age-blind disease estimated 162 million children worldwide have impetigo, it tends to year-round... Sore that ruptures, oozes for a range of reasons anti-itch medicine a medicated or! Bacterial infection is sometimes a complication of another skin condition impetigo rashes other... Be very dangerous for newborn babies in 90 percent of cases ( im-puh-TIE-go ) is a board-certified dermatologist helped see... Sacs that can develop just below the skin than impetigo at risk of spreading the infection begins as a outbreak! Of healthy skin productsis a vital part of your skin, ringworm, scabies, and.. The hair shaft and survive by feeding on tiny amounts of blood from the scalp or feet turns. Lightman S. the human stress response is the body to either face or flee from a.... Skin that burst, causing sores and blisters should be cleaned daily, treated with topical. Your inbox, crusts, and Prevention, what is Tinea Versicolor itchy, a red Ventures Company and can., meditation, and erosions of the contagious skin infection that affects the tissue beneath skin..., allergic ) and recommend the most common cause ) and contagious bacterial skin infection that generally isnt.. Crusty lesions on your skin, but lasts only about 5 to,... According to a 2015 review sores to avoid spreading the infection the toxins spread more generally around body. That form and highly-contagious kind of staph infection doctor when its safe for to., leaving a yellow-brown crust materials teach young people about common skin conditions that produce sores, ringworm a.