Impetigo Treatment

How is Impetigo Diagnosed?

Impetigo is usually diagnosed based on its characteristic appearance, including honey-coloured crusts, blisters or sores. Laboratory tests are not routinely required. If the infection is recurrent, widespread, fails to improve with treatment or methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is suspected, the doctor may collect a swab from the affected skin for bacterial culture and antibiotic susceptibility testing. Additional tests are rarely needed unless a deeper infection or another skin condition is suspected.

How is Impetigo Treated Based on Severity?

Treatment depends on how widespread impetigo is. The table below summarises the treatment approach based on the severity of impetigo:

Types of Impetigo and Their Treatment

Impetigo has three main forms, and its treatment varies for each type. Types of impetigo, as per their treatment, are mentioned in the table below:

Topical Treatments for Impetigo

Topical antibiotics form the first line of therapy for mild impetigo. The creams are directly applied gently to the lesions. Topical treatments for impetigo can include the following medications:

Other Treatments for Impetigo

In addition to antibiotic treatment for impetigo, proper skin care and treatment measures aid the healing process. These measures can include:

Oral Medications for Impetigo

Oral antibiotics are indicated for generalised or bullous impetigo. They are also indicated where the use of cream is less effective. Oral medications commonly used for impetigo treatment are:

• Cephalexin: First-line oral antibiotic for extensive impetigo caused by methicillin-susceptible bacteria.

• Amoxicillin-Clavulanate: This medicine may be prescribed when broader antibacterial coverage is required.

• Flucloxacillin: It is the preferred anti-staphylococcal penicillin where available.

• Clindamycin: Alternative for penicillin allergy or suspected resistant infection.

• Doxycycline: May be used in adults and children over eight years when MRSA is suspected or confirmed.

• Co-trimoxazole: May be used for MRSA when supported by bacterial culture and susceptibility testing.

Ayurvedic and Alternative Treatments for Impetigo

Ayurvedic and alternative treatments can be used alongside prescribed medication to support the healing of impetigo. These treatments can include:

• Neem: Neem paste can be used due to its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

• Turmeric: It is considered effective in wound healing and anti-inflammatory activities.

• Aloe Vera: It may help soothe irritated skin.

Note: These treatments must always be used after seeking advice from your doctor.

Home Care for Managing Impetigo

Home care measures for impetigo help it heal more quickly and prevent its spread. These include:

• Clean the lesions using clean soap and water.

• Shorten your nails to prevent spreading the infection.

• Put a loose bandage over the affected area.

• Clean hands after coming into contact with the lesions.

• Avoid sharing towels, clothing, and bedding.

• Finish taking the whole course of antibiotics.

• If advised by a doctor, stay at home to avoid spreading.

• Wash clothes, towels and bed linen separately.

• Children should return to school only after 24 hours of antibiotic treatment if lesions are covered and improving.

How Long Does Impetigo Treatment Take?

Impetigo usually heals quickly with appropriate treatment. The table shows the approximate duration of impetigo treatments:

Impetigo Treatment Side Effects

Most impetigo treatments are usually safe. However, some might lead to side effects including:

• Skin irritation

• Burning or stinging

• Allergic reaction

• Nausea

• Diarrhoea

• Abdominal discomfort

• Photosensitivity

• Clostridioides difficile infection (rare)

Lifestyle Changes for Managing Impetigo

Prevention lowers the risk of impetigo and its spread. Simple lifestyle habits given below help greatly:

• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, especially after touching the affected skin.

• Clean the sores gently every day and apply prescribed medicines exactly as directed.

• Avoid scratching or picking at the sores to prevent the infection from spreading or causing scarring.

• Keep the affected area clean, dry, and, if advised, covered with a clean dressing.

• Do not share towels, clothing, bedding, razors or other personal items until the infection has completely healed.

• Wash clothing, towels and bed linen used by the infected person separately in hot water whenever possible.

• Treat underlying skin conditions, such as eczema or scabies, to reduce the risk of recurrent impetigo.

• Complete the full course of prescribed antibiotics, even if the sores begin to heal earlier.

Triggers That Can Worsen Impetigo Symptoms

There are several reasons why impetigo can spread or become severe. Controlling them can be helpful for a quicker healing process. Some key triggers to avoid actively include:

• Scratching or picking at the sores.

• Delaying or stopping antibiotic treatment too early.

• Poor hand hygiene or frequent touching of the affected skin.

• Warm, humid weather that promotes bacterial growth.

• Close contact with an infected person.

• Untreated skin conditions such as eczema, scabies or insect bites.

• Cuts, abrasions or other breaks in the skin.

• Sharing towels, clothing, bedding or personal items with others.

• Weakened immunity due to certain medical conditions or medicines.

• Participation in close-contact sports before the infection has healed.

Impetigo Treatment Cost in India

The treatment cost of impetigo in India is extremely low. The cost of a 5g pack of mupirocin ointment, which is an antibiotic, ranges between ₹100 and ₹300. Additional expenses may include dermatologist visits, which can be between ₹1,000 and ₹2,500. Oral antibiotics in extensive cases are affordable too. Treatment for impetigo is usually done at a low cost in an outpatient department (OPD). The cost is a little higher in private clinics in big cities. However, government hospitals provide low-cost or free services.

Does Health Insurance Cover Impetigo Treatment in India?

Yes, several health insurance plans cover treatment for impetigo, which is a minor skin disease. It is usually treated at the OPD level and involves doctor consultations and medicines. Such expenses are covered under insurance only if the policy comes with an OPD cover. Any rare complication leading to hospitalisation will also be covered. However, policy coverage will depend on the plan, and so reading policy terms carefully is recommended.