What is Impetigo?
Impetigo is a skin infection. It can also be called “school sores”.
It’s usually not serious and gets better quickly after treatment.
What causes Impetigo?
Impetigo is caused by two types of bacteria: staphylococcus or streptococcus.
These bacteria live on healthy skin, in the nose, or in the throat, usually without causing problems. But sometimes they can cause infections, like impetigo.
How did I get Impetigo?
Impetigo spreads easily, especially between kids.
It can start if you have a cut, bite, or scratch that lets the bacteria in.
You can also get Impetigo if you touch the fluid or crust from an infected sore, like:
- Someone scratching their sores and then touching you without washing their hands.
- Using clothes or towels that have touched a sore.
- Changing dressings from other people’s sores.