Impetigo in Babies: Symptoms & Treatment | Parenting Hub
Impetigo causes honey-coloured crusty sores that spread easily. Learn how it's treated and when to keep baby home.
Impetigo is a bacterial skin infection that leaves golden-yellow crusts, often around the nose and mouth. It needs treatment because it spreads easily — to other parts of baby's body and to other children.
What impetigo looks like
Starts as small red spots or blisters, often around the nose, mouth or in skin folds. They quickly weep and form a distinctive honey-coloured (golden) crust. It's caused by Staphylococcus or Streptococcus bacteria.
Treatment
See your GP — most cases need either an antibiotic ointment (mupirocin) for small areas or oral antibiotics for larger or spreading infection. Soak crusts off gently with warm water before applying ointment.
Stopping spread
- Keep baby home from daycare until 24 hours after antibiotics have started AND sores are covered/dry.
- Wash hands after every nappy change or contact.
- Don't share towels, washcloths or bedding.
- Trim baby's nails to reduce scratching.
When to seek help
- Fever, lethargy or rapidly spreading rash
- Sores around the eyes
- Sores not improving 48 hours after starting antibiotics
- Dark or tea-coloured urine after impetigo (rare kidney complication — call GP)
Common questions
Is impetigo really contagious?
Very. Direct skin contact and shared items spread it easily. Strict hand hygiene matters.
Can it come back?
Yes, especially if the underlying skin (eczema, cuts) isn't well managed. Treating the broken skin reduces recurrence.