Impetigo

Impetigo is a skin infection that's very contagious but not usually serious. Anyone can get it, but it's more common in young children. With treatment, impetigo often gets better in a few days.

This page provides general information and does not replace a doctor’s consultation. If symptoms are severe, persistent or worsening, seek medical advice promptly.

Impetigo is a skin infection that's very contagious but not usually serious. Anyone can get it, but it's more common in young children. With treatment, impetigo often gets better in a few days.

Symptoms of impetigo

Impetigo starts with red sores or blisters, but the redness may be harder to see on brown and black skin.

The sores or blisters quickly burst and often leave crusty, golden-brown patches.

The patches can:

  • look a bit like cornflakes stuck to your skin
  • get bigger and spread to other parts of your body
  • be itchy and are sometimes painful

Other conditions like impetigo

Impetigo can look similar to other skin conditions.

Skin symptoms Possible cause

Blisters on lips or around the mouth

Cold sores

Itchy, dry, cracked or sore skin

Atopic eczema

Itchy blisters

Shingles, chickenpox

See a pharmacist if:

  • you have symptoms of impetigo
  • your child is aged 12 months or over and has symptoms of impetigo

A pharmacist can give the same medicines as a GP to treat impetigo. They can also give advice or direct you to to other medical help if you need it.

See a GP if:

You or your child have symptoms of impetigo and:

  • your child is aged 11 months or younger
  • you're breastfeeding and the impetigo sores are on your breasts
  • have a weakened immune system, for example, from chemotherapy
  • have had treatment but the symptoms have changed or become worse
  • have had impetigo in the past year and it has come back

Impetigo is very infectious. Check with the GP surgery before you go in. They may suggest a phone consultation.

Treatment for impetigo

A pharmacist or GP will check if your symptoms are caused by a more serious skin infection, like cellulitis.

If it's impetigo, they may prescribe:

  • hydrogen peroxide cream
  • antibiotic cream or tablets

Babies and people with a weakened immune system may need antibiotic tablets to stop the infection causing more serious problems.

If your impetigo keeps coming back

A GP may take a swab from your skin to check for the bacteria that causes impetigo. They may also take a swab from inside your nose.

They might prescribe an antiseptic body wash, nasal ointment, or both, to try to clear the bacteria and stop the impetigo coming back.

Consult with a doctor about Impetigo

Consult with a doctor about Impetigo

Discuss your symptoms and possible next steps with a doctor online.

Make sure you finish treatment

Do not stop using cream or taking antibiotic tablets early, even if the impetigo starts to clear up.

How to stop impetigo spreading or getting worse

Impetigo can be easily spread to other parts of your body or to other people through skin-to-skin contact.

You can also get it by touching things that have been infected, like towels and bedding.

Impetigo stops being contagious:

  • 48 hours after you start using hydrogen peroxide cream or antibiotics prescribed by a pharmacist or GP
  • when the patches dry out and crust over (if you do not get treatment)

There are some things you can do to help stop impetigo spreading or getting worse while it's still contagious.

Do

  • stay away from work, school or nursery until no longer contagious

  • wash affected areas with soap and water and dry them thoroughly

  • wash your hands frequently, particularly before and after using antibiotic cream

  • wash flannels, towels, sheets and pillowcases at a high temperature

  • wash toys with detergent and warm water if your children have impetigo

Don’t

  • do not touch or scratch sores, blisters or crusty patches – this also helps stop scarring

  • do not have close contact with children or people with diabetes or a weakened immune system (if they're having chemotherapy, for example)

  • do not share flannels, towels, sheets or pillowcases

  • do not prepare food for other people if you have impetigo

  • do not go to the gym or play contact sports like football

How to avoid impetigo

Impetigo usually infects skin that's already damaged.

You can get it if you have a minor injury like a cut, scratch or insect bite, or a skin condition.

To avoid getting impetigo:

  • keep cuts, scratches and insect bites clean – for example, by washing them with warm water and soap
  • get treatment for skin conditions, like eczema and scabies

Online doctors for Impetigo

Discuss your symptoms and possible next steps for Impetigo with a doctor online.

Doctor
5.0(12)

Yevgen Yakovenko

Family medicine12 years of experience

Dr. Yevgen Yakovenko is a licensed surgeon and general practitioner in Spain and Germany. He specialises in general, paediatric, and oncological surgery, internal medicine, and pain management. He offers online consultations for adults and children, combining surgical precision with therapeutic support. Dr Yakovenko works with patients across different countries and provides care in Ukrainian, Russian, English, and Spanish.

Areas of medical expertise:

  • Acute and chronic pain: headaches, muscle and joint pain, back pain, abdominal pain, postoperative pain. Identifying the cause, selecting treatment, and creating a care plan.
  • Internal medicine: heart, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, urinary system. Management of chronic conditions, symptom control, second opinions.
  • Pre- and postoperative care: risk assessment, decision-making support, follow-up after surgery, rehabilitation strategies.
  • General and paediatric surgery: hernias, appendicitis, congenital conditions, both planned and urgent surgeries.
  • Injuries and trauma: bruises, fractures, sprains, soft tissue damage, wound care, dressing, referral when in-person care is required.
  • Oncological surgery: diagnosis review, treatment planning, and long-term follow-up.
  • Obesity treatment and weight management: a medical approach to weight loss, including assessment of underlying causes, evaluation of comorbidities, development of a personalised plan (nutrition, physical activity, pharmacotherapy if needed), and ongoing progress monitoring.
  • Imaging interpretation: analysis of ultrasound, CT, MRI, and X-ray results, surgical planning based on imaging data.
  • Second opinions and medical navigation: clarifying diagnoses, reviewing current treatment plans, helping patients choose the best course of action.

Experience and qualifications:

  • 12+ years of clinical experience in university hospitals in Germany and Spain.
  • International education: Ukraine – Germany – Spain.
  • Member of the German Society of Surgeons (BDC).
  • Certified in radiological diagnostics and robotic surgery.
  • Active participant in international medical conferences and research.

Dr Yakovenko explains complex topics in a clear, accessible way. He works collaboratively with patients to analyse health issues and make evidence-based decisions. His approach is grounded in clinical excellence, scientific accuracy, and respect for each individual.

If you are unsure about a diagnosis, preparing for surgery, or want to discuss your test results – Dr Yakovenko will help you evaluate your options and move forward with confidence.

Book a video appointment
€72
Doctor
5.0(3)

Lina Travkina

Family medicine13 years of experience

Dr. Lina Travkina is a licensed family and preventive medicine doctor based in Italy. She provides online consultations for adults and children, supporting patients across all stages of care – from acute symptom management to long-term health monitoring and prevention.

Areas of medical care include:

  • Respiratory conditions: colds, flu, acute and chronic bronchitis, mild to moderate pneumonia, bronchial asthma.
  • ENT and eye conditions: sinusitis, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, otitis, infectious and allergic conjunctivitis.
  • Digestive issues: gastritis, acid reflux (GERD), IBS, dyspepsia, bloating, constipation, diarrhoea, functional bowel symptoms, intestinal infections.
  • Urological and infectious diseases: acute and recurrent cystitis, bladder and kidney infections, prevention of recurrent UTIs, asymptomatic bacteriuria.
  • Chronic conditions: hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, metabolic syndrome, thyroid disorders, excess weight.
  • Neurological and general symptoms: headache, migraine, dizziness, fatigue, sleep disturbances, reduced concentration, anxiety, asthenia.
  • Chronic pain support: back, neck, joint, and muscle pain, tension syndromes, pain associated with osteochondrosis and chronic conditions.

Additional care areas:

  • Preventive consultations and check-up planning.
  • Medical advice and follow-up consultations.
  • Test interpretation and diagnostic guidance.
  • Structured support for undiagnosed complaints.
  • Second opinion on diagnoses and treatment plans.
  • Nutritional and lifestyle support for vitamin deficiencies, anaemia, metabolic issues.
  • Post-operative recovery support and pain management.
  • Preconception counselling and postpartum support.
  • Immunity support and strategies to reduce frequency of infections.

Dr. Travkina combines evidence-based medicine with an attentive, personalised approach. Her consultations focus not only on treatment, but also on prevention, recovery, and long-term wellbeing.

If during the consultation it becomes clear that your case requires in-person assessment or specialised care outside of her scope, the session will be terminated and the payment fully refunded.

Book a video appointment
€75
Doctor
5.0(19)

Nuno Tavares Lopes

Family medicineGeneral medicine18 years of experience

Dr. Nuno Tavares Lopes is a licensed physician in Portugal with 17 years of experience in emergency medicine, family and general practice, and public health. He is the Director of Medical and Public Health Services at an international healthcare network and serves as an external consultant for the WHO and ECDC.

  • Emergency care: infections, fever, chest/abdominal pain, minor injuries, paediatric emergencies
  • Family medicine: hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol, chronic disease management
  • Travel medicine: pre-travel advice, vaccinations, fit-to-fly certificates, travel-related illnesses
  • Sexual and reproductive health: PrEP, STD prevention, counselling, treatment
  • Weight management and wellness: personalised weight loss programmes, lifestyle guidance
  • Skin and ENT issues: acne, eczema, allergies, rashes, sore throat, sinusitis
  • Pain management: acute and chronic pain, post-surgical care
  • Public health: prevention, health screenings, long-term monitoring
  • Sick leave (Baixa médica) connected to Segurança Social in Portugal
  • IMT medical certificates for driving licence exchange
Dr. Nuno Tavares Lopes provides medical support for patients using GLP-1 medications (Mounjaro, Wegovy, Ozempic, Rybelsus) as part of a weight loss strategy. He offers individualised treatment planning, regular follow-up, dose adjustment, and advice on combining medication with sustainable lifestyle changes. Consultations follow the medical standards accepted in Europe.

Dr. Lopes also provides interpretation of medical tests, follow-up care for complex patients, and multilingual support. Whether for urgent concerns or long-term care, he helps patients act with clarity and confidence.

Book a video appointment
€70
Doctor
0.0(0)

Andreea Mateescu

Paediatrics8 years of experience

Dr Andreea Mateescu is a board-certified paediatrician with 7 years of clinical experience. She graduated from Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Bucharest, Romania, and completed her paediatric residency at INSMC Alessandrescu-Rusescu. She also holds additional training in general ultrasound diagnostics.

Dr Mateescu focuses on providing high-quality, evidence-based medical care for children, with a strong emphasis on prevention, healthy development, and long-term wellbeing. She believes that clear, empathetic communication with both children and parents is essential for building trust and ensuring effective care.

Online consultations with Dr Mateescu are suitable for:

  • preventive check-ups and monitoring of growth and development;
  • vaccination planning, including personalised and catch-up schedules;
  • assessment of psychomotor, emotional, and physical development;
  • diagnosis and management of acute and chronic paediatric conditions;
  • nutritional guidance for infants and children, including formula selection when medically indicated;
  • care for children with complex or rare conditions;
  • practical guidance and ongoing support for parents.
Dr Mateescu works with patience, empathy, and professionalism, ensuring that each child receives attentive, individualised care. Her goal is to support healthy, balanced development while helping parents feel confident and well-informed at every stage of their child’s care.
Book a video appointment
€60
Doctor
4.7(10)

Anastasiia Shalko

Family medicinePaediatrics13 years of experience

Dr. Anastasiia Shalko is a general practitioner with a background in both paediatrics and general medicine. She graduated from Bogomolets National Medical University in Kyiv and completed her paediatric internship at the P.L. Shupyk National Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education. After working as a paediatrician in Kyiv, she relocated to Spain, where she has been practising general medicine since 2015, providing care for both adults and children.Her work focuses on urgent, short-term medical concerns – situations where patients need quick guidance, symptom assessment and clear next steps. She helps people understand whether their symptoms require in-person evaluation, home management or a change in treatment. Common reasons for booking an online consultation include:

  • acute respiratory symptoms (cough, sore throat, runny nose, fever)
  • viral illnesses such as colds and seasonal infections
  • gastrointestinal complaints (nausea, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, gastroenteritis)
  • sudden changes in how a child or adult feels
  • questions about existing treatment and whether adjustments are needed
  • renewal of prescriptions when clinically appropriate

Dr. Shalko works specifically with urgent and short-term problems, providing practical recommendations and helping patients determine the safest next step. She explains symptoms clearly, guides patients through decision-making and offers straightforward medical advice for everyday acute issues.She does not provide long-term management of chronic conditions, ongoing follow-up or comprehensive care plans for complex long-term illnesses. Her consultations are designed for acute symptoms, sudden concerns and situations where timely medical input is important.With clinical experience in both paediatrics and general medicine, Dr. Shalko confidently supports adults and children. Her communication style is clear, simple and reassuring, helping patients feel informed and supported throughout the consultation.

Book a video appointment
€56
Doctor
5.0(1)

Tomasz Grzelewski

DermatologyAllergology21 years of experience

Dr Tomasz Grzelewski is an MD, PhD specialist in allergy, paediatrics, general practice and sports medicine, with a clinical focus on dermatology, endocrinology, allergology and sports-related health. He has more than 20 years of clinical experience and completed his medical training at the Medical University of Łódź, where he defended his PhD thesis with distinction. His doctoral research was recognised by the Polish Society of Allergology for its innovative contribution to the field. Throughout his career, he has gained extensive expertise in diagnosing and managing a wide range of allergic and paediatric conditions, including modern allergen desensitisation techniques. For five years, Dr Grzelewski served as the Head of two paediatric departments in Poland, managing complex clinical cases and leading multidisciplinary teams. He also worked in medical centres in the United Kingdom, gaining experience across both primary care and specialist environments. With over a decade of telemedicine experience, he has provided online consultations across Europe and is valued for his clear, structured and evidence-based medical guidance. Dr Grzelewski is actively involved in clinical programmes focused on modern anti-allergic therapies. As a Principal Investigator, he leads research projects on sublingual and oral allergen desensitisation, supporting evidence-based progress in allergy treatment for both children and adults. In addition to his background in allergology and paediatrics, he completed dermatology studies through the Cambridge Education Group (Royal College of Physicians of Ireland) and a Clinical Endocrinology course at Harvard Medical School. This advanced training enhances his ability to manage skin manifestations of allergies, atopic conditions, urticaria, endocrine-related symptoms and complex immunological reactions. Patients commonly seek his care for: 

  • seasonal and perennial allergies
  • allergic rhinitis and chronic nasal symptoms
  • asthma and breathing difficulties
  • food and medication allergies
  • urticaria, atopic dermatitis and skin reactions
  • recurrent infections in children
  • sports-related health questions
  • general family medicine concerns

Dr Tomasz Grzelewski is known for his clear communication style, structured medical approach and ability to explain treatment options in a concise and accessible way. His multidisciplinary background across allergy, paediatrics, dermatology and endocrinology allows him to provide safe, up-to-date and comprehensive care for patients of all ages.

Book a video appointment
€86
Doctor
0.0(0)

Daniel Cichi

Family medicinePaediatricsGeneral medicine24 years of experience

Dr Daniel Cichi is a family medicine doctor with over 20 years of clinical experience. He provides online consultations for adults, supporting patients with acute symptoms, chronic conditions, and everyday health concerns that require timely medical guidance. His background includes work in emergency care, ambulance services, and family medicine, which allows him to assess symptoms quickly, identify warning signs, and help patients choose the safest next steps – whether that means home care, treatment adjustment, or in-person evaluation. Patients commonly consult Dr Daniel Cichi for: 

  • acute symptoms: fever, infections, flu-like illness, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath;
  • chest discomfort, palpitations, dizziness, fatigue, and blood pressure concerns;
  • digestive problems: abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, reflux;
  • sexually transmitted infections, erectile dysfunction;
  • muscle, joint, and back pain, minor injuries, post-traumatic symptoms;
  • chronic conditions: hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, thyroid disorders, weight loss, hair loss;
  • review and interpretation of lab tests, imaging reports, and medical documents;
  • medication review and treatment adjustment;
  • medical advice while travelling or living abroad;
  • second opinions and guidance on whether in-person care is needed.

Dr Cichi’s consultations are structured and practical. He focuses on clear explanations, risk assessment, and actionable recommendations, helping patients understand their symptoms and make informed decisions about their health.

Book a video appointment
€69

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