What is impetigo?
A person with impetigo has a bacterial infection of the skin that causes a read rash. In most cases, yellow fluid drains from the skin and brown scabs form over the surface. Impetigo is usually caused by an infection with Streptococcus or Staphylococcus bacteria. Impetigo is most common in young children. With treatment, the rash usually resolves within 10 days.

What are the symptoms of impetigo?
The most common symptom of impetigo is a red rash. The rash may be covered by yellow fluid, and yellow or brown scabs may form over the skin. Additional symptoms of impetigo include skin swelling and swollen glands near the rash.

How does the doctor treat impetigo?
Treatment for impetigo includes frequent skin cleansing, oral antibiotics, topical antibiotic creams, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications for pain.