First AIDFIRST AI DOCTORYour care companion

Skin and hair

Impetigo

Impetigo is a contagious bacterial infection of the skin surface. It often follows a small skin break and is especially seen in children.

Save to my health notebook +

Save after unlocking your private notebook. An article bookmark does not add a diagnosis.

What you may notice

Symptoms can overlap with other conditions and vary between people.

  • Blisters or sores
  • Honey-colored crusts
  • Itching
  • Spreading skin lesions

Understanding care

Clinical care may include clinical assessment and infection management with advice about spread. A qualified clinician decides which investigations and options fit the individual situation.

When to seek help

Painful spreading skin inflammation, fever or rapidly worsening swelling needs prompt medical assessment. Confusion, collapse or breathing difficulty requires emergency services.

For severe breathing difficulty, collapse, suspected stroke, or another emergency, call local emergency services immediately. In India, call 112.

Read the medical sources

These sources support the educational article and offer more detail.

Educational reading · Updated 6 October 2026

Prepared from the linked sources. This summary has not had an independent clinician review. A qualified clinician can assess symptoms and explain which information applies to you.

A child and a caring grown-up reading a picture book together

LITTLE PEOPLE. BIG FEELINGS.

It’s okay to have
a lot of questions.

A doctor visit or an unfamiliar health word can feel scary. You can ask a trusted grown-up to help you understand, one small question at a time.

01

Say how you feel.

“I feel worried” is a good place to start.

02

Ask for simple words.

“Can you explain that in a way I understand?”

03

Bring someone you trust.

A caring adult can help you ask and listen.

For children and their grown-ups. This illustration explains a conversation, not a diagnosis. An adult should seek qualified care for a child who is unwell.

Impetigo — First AID health library