Impetigo is an infection that causes sores on the skin. It is contagious ("catching"). Impetigo can continue to spread from person to person for 24 hours after treatment is started.

What can you do?

• Soak the sores each day in soap (Dial or Safeguard) and water to remove the crust. Be very gentle.
• Put over-the-counter antibiotic ointment (ex: Neosporin) on the sores after washing them.
• Cut your child's fingernails short, and keep them clean.
• Wash your hands well before and after touching the sores.

Take your child to the doctor if:

• He or she is not getting better.
• Sores start spreading to other parts of the body.
• He or she gets a fever (101ºF/38.5ºC or more).
• Urine turns a dark, red color.
• He or she has swelling of the eyes or legs.

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Information and links found on the UT Medical Group, Inc. web site are neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you think you may have a medical emergency call your healthcare provider immediately.