Complications

Impetigo typically isn't dangerous. And the sores in mild forms of the infection generally heal without scarring.

Rarely, complications of impetigo include:

• Cellulitis. This potentially life-threatening infection affects the tissues underlying the skin and eventually may spread to the lymph nodes and bloodstream.
• Kidney problems. One of the types of bacteria that cause impetigo can also damage the kidneys.
• Scarring. The sores associated with ecthyma can leave scars.