Impetigo primarily affects young children and infants, but it can occur in individuals of any age. This bacterial infection is particularly common in those with a weakened immune system, making it difficult to fend off. It is also prevalent in warm and humid climates, which create ideal conditions for the bacteria to thrive. Other risk factors for impetigo include pre-existing skin issues like eczema, psoriasis, or dermatitis, as these compromised skin conditions can make a person more susceptible to the infection.

Topical antibiotics in the form of creams effectively kill the bacteria causing impetigo, preventing infection and limiting its spread. While they also help relieve symptoms like itchiness, oral antibiotics are typically reserved for severe or epidemic cases. This is because they can attack the bacteria throughout the entire body, not just on the skin's surface. Good hygiene practices are also advised to reduce spreading of the disease, and over-the-counter pain relievers can help with symptoms. Follow-up consultations may be necessary in severe cases where standard treatments are not effective, and a referral to a specialist may be required. In extreme cases, local populations may be advised to avoid school or work to limit the spread of impetigo, but this is rare.

Left unchecked impetigo can lead to various serious health complications. Although uncommon it's important to understand the potential risks so you can help prevent them from happening. For example, cellulitis is an infection of the deeper layers of skin and tissue. These complications of impetigo are serious if you notice any of these you must be referred to a specialist for treatment.