How Is Impetigo Diagnosed and Treated?
Doctors usually diagnose impetigo based on how it looks and treat the infection with antibiotics. Your doctor probably will prescribe an antibiotic ointment if the infection is mild. If the impetigo has spread to a few places, or if the ointment isn’t working, you may need to take an antibiotic pill. It’s important to finish all of the medicine prescribed even if the spots clear up quickly. Because impetigo can spread from person to person through contact with the infected area, someone who has it should keep the sores covered. If it is not possible to do this, staying home from school for a day or two while the rash is still contagious may be a good idea. After 3 days of treatment it should start to heal and scab over. If your skin doesn’t begin to heal after this time, or if you develop a fever, call your doctor again. You should also let your doctor know right away if skin around the impetigo becomes red, warm, swollen, or tender.
