What is impetigo?
Impetigo is a bacterial skin infection caused by staphylococci or streptococci. It begins with redness and small blisters that burst and form yellowish-brown crusts. The skin around the nose and mouth, and the hands, are commonly affected. The infection spreads easily between family members and in children's groups, so it's important to start treatment early.
Common signs
How it's caught and what raises the risk
Impetigo spreads through direct skin contact and shared items. Knowing how it spreads helps stop the infection and protect those around you.
Broken skin
Scratches, bites or eczema open the door to bacteria and make infection easier.
Close contact
The rash spreads through touching the skin and through shared items such as towels or toys.
Children's groups
Nurseries and schools are common places to catch it because of the close contact between children.
Warmth and moisture
Warm, humid weather encourages bacteria to multiply and makes the infection easier to spread.
How we treat impetigo
We choose treatment according to the size of the rash and the patient's age. The aim is to stop the infection as quickly as possible and learn how to prevent it spreading at home.
The dermatologist assesses whether topical treatment is enough or something more is needed, and explains the hygiene rules so the infection doesn't recur.
How treatment works
The dermatologist confirms the diagnosis and tells impetigo apart from other rashes based on the photos you provide.
In mild cases, prescription topical treatment applied directly to the affected skin is enough.
For a more widespread infection, a short course of prescription oral treatment.
We advise on cleansing the sores, changing towels and reducing the spread within the family.
If needed, we adjust the treatment until the skin has fully healed and no new crusts are forming.
iThe iDerma advantage
Specialists in contagious infections
Our team is made up of dermatologists who recognise and treat contagious skin infections every day.
An assessment within 24 hours
You receive a rash assessment and treatment plan within a day, so the infection is stopped early.
A prescription when needed
If needed, the dermatologist issues a prescription treatment directly and remotely, with no clinic visit.
Completely confidential
Your child's or your own photos and personal data are stored responsibly and never shared with anyone.
100% money-back guarantee
If we are unable to assess the rash remotely, we refund what you paid, no questions asked.
Help from home
With a young child there's no need to wait in a queue - you fill in a form, attach photos and treat them at home.
Doctors, treating impetigo
"Professionalism, clear communication and attention to every detail - exactly what we expect from every consultation."
About usService pricing
Initial dermatologist consultation
49,00 €Follow-up consultation
A later visit for the same conditionAny follow-up questions straight after your consultation are free. A repeat consultation is only needed when your condition is being reassessed.
With a 100% money-back guarantee if we are unable to provide the consultation remotely.
Frequently asked questions
1. Does impetigo go away on its own?
Mild cases sometimes clear on their own, but treatment speeds up recovery and lowers the risk of infecting others.
2. Is impetigo very contagious?
Yes, it spreads through touching the skin and through shared items, so good hygiene and early treatment are important.
3. Can a child go to nursery with impetigo?
Until treatment has begun and while the rash is still spreading, it's best to keep the child at home. The doctor will tell you the exact timing.
4. Can impetigo be treated remotely?
Yes. The dermatologist assesses the rash from photos and prescribes treatment.
5. Does it leave scars?
Properly treated, impetigo often heals without marks, so it's important not to pick at the crusts.
6. How much does a consultation cost?
An iDerma initial dermatologist consultation is an affordable fixed price, backed by a 100% money-back guarantee.