What is impetigo and what does it look like?
Impetigo is a skin infection. It is usually caused by a bacterium (germ) called Staphylococcus aureus . Another type of bacterium called Streptococcus pyogenes is sometimes the cause. Primary impetigo is when the infection affects healthy skin. Secondary impetigo is when the infection affects skin that is already ‘broken’ by another skin condition. For example, skin with eczema, psoriasis or a cut sometimes develops a secondary impetigo. The picture show a typical small patch of primary impetigo on the chin of a child. The rash typically appears 4-10 days after you have been infected with the bacteria. Small blisters develop at first. You may not see the blisters as they usually burst to leave scabby patches on the skin. Sometimes only one or two patches develop. They often look like moist, golden crusts stuck onto the skin. An area of redness (inflammation) may develop under each patch. Sometimes affected skin is just red and inflamed – especially if the ‘crust’ is picked or scratched
