How contagious is impetigo?
Impetigo is fairly contagious, mostly from direct contact with someone who has it, but sometimes from towels, toys, clothing or household items. Once it starts, impetigo often spreads to other parts of the body. This is particularly common with impetigo in children. There may be mini epidemics in daycare centers. Bacteria that cause impetigo may enter through a break in the skin, such as that which comes from cuts and scrapes. At times, however, impetigo appears even if no one nearby has it and the skin seems unbroken. Adults often catch impetigo from close contact with infected children. Heat, humidity, and the presence of eczema predispose a person to developing impetigo. Sometimes bacteria live in the nose and spread from there to other parts of the skin. your safest bet is to see a docotr.
