Red flags & when to go in person for Impetigo

Audience: adult

Impetigo is a common skin infection that usually causes red sores or blisters, often around the nose and mouth. It is more common in children but can affect adults too. The infection is caused by bacteria and can spread easily through close contact. While many cases of impetigo can be managed with basic care and sometimes antibiotics, certain signs mean you should see a healthcare provider in person. These include worsening redness, fever, or if the infection spreads rapidly. Telemedicine can help you understand your symptoms and decide if you need in-person care, but it cannot replace physical exams or treatments that require hands-on care. Knowing when to seek urgent care helps prevent complications and protects your health and others around you.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Rapidly spreading redness or swelling around sores — seek urgent in-person care.
• Fever or chills accompanying skin infection — see a healthcare provider promptly.
• Sores near the eyes or inside the nose — require immediate medical evaluation.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial symptom assessment and history taking.
• Providing advice on hygiene and wound care.
• Determining need for in-person evaluation or antibiotics.
• Follow-up consultations to monitor progress.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Physical examination requiring touch or detailed skin inspection.
• Taking skin swabs or samples for laboratory testing.
• Performing procedures such as drainage of abscesses.
• Administering injectable medications or treatments.

What is Impetigo?

Impetigo is a contagious skin infection caused by bacteria, usually Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. It often starts as red sores or blisters that can ooze and form a yellowish crust. The infection commonly affects the face, especially around the nose and mouth, but it can appear on other body parts. It spreads through close contact or by touching contaminated items like towels or clothing.

Common Symptoms

Typical signs of impetigo include:

Symptoms usually develop within a few days after exposure to the bacteria.

When to Seek In-Person Care

While many cases improve with basic care, seek in-person medical attention if you notice:

Early evaluation helps prevent complications and the spread of infection.

How Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine allows you to consult a healthcare provider remotely. It can help by:

However, telemedicine cannot perform physical exams, take skin samples, or provide treatments like drainage of abscesses.

Preventing Spread and Recurrence

To reduce the risk of spreading impetigo:

Good hygiene helps protect you and others.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, well-lit place for your telemedicine visit.
• Have a device with a camera and microphone ready.
• Prepare to show the affected skin areas clearly on camera.
• List your symptoms, including when they started and any changes.
• Have a list of any medications or allergies ready.
• Be ready to describe any other health conditions you have.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the care instructions provided by your healthcare provider.
• Keep the affected area clean and covered as advised.
• Take prescribed medications exactly as directed.
• Monitor for any worsening symptoms or new red flags.
• Schedule follow-up visits if recommended.
• Practice good hygiene to prevent spread to others.

FAQs

Can impetigo go away without antibiotics?

Mild cases of impetigo sometimes improve with good hygiene and wound care alone, but antibiotics often speed healing and reduce spread. Your healthcare provider can help decide if antibiotics are needed.

Is impetigo contagious?

Yes, impetigo is contagious. It spreads through close contact or by touching items contaminated with the bacteria. Good handwashing and avoiding sharing personal items help prevent spread.

How long does impetigo usually last?

With proper treatment, impetigo often improves within 7 to 10 days. Without treatment, it may last longer and increase the risk of spreading to others.

Can I still go to work or school with impetigo?

You should avoid close contact with others until your healthcare provider says the infection is no longer contagious, usually after starting antibiotics and sores begin to heal.

How can I prevent impetigo from coming back?

Maintaining good personal hygiene, keeping skin clean and moisturized, and treating any cuts or insect bites promptly can help prevent impetigo recurrence.

Sources

1. Impetigo — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Impetigo: Symptoms and Causes — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Impetigo — Mayo Clinic.
4. Impetigo — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before starting any new treatment.