Prevention

Keeping skin clean is the best way to keep it healthy. It's important to wash cuts, scrapes, insect bites and other wounds right away.

To help prevent impetigo from spreading to others:

• Gently wash the affected areas with mild soap and running water and then cover lightly with gauze.
• Wash an infected person's clothes, linens and towels every day with hot water and don't share them with anyone else in your family.
• Wear gloves when applying antibiotic ointment and wash your hands thoroughly afterward.
• Cut an infected child's nails short to prevent damage from scratching.
• Encourage regular and thorough handwashing and good hygiene in general.
• Keep your child with impetigo home until your doctor says they aren't contagious.