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Q.

Is impetigo contagious?

Related Topics: Impetigo
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A.

Impetigo is contagious, mostly from direct contact with someone who has it but sometimes from towels, toys, clothing, or household items. After starting, impetigo often spreads to other parts of the body. This is particularly common with impetigo in children. There may be mini epidemics in day-care centers. Bacteria that cause impetigo may enter through a break in the skin, such as that which comes from cuts and scrapes. A common toddler impetigo experience is an infection at the nasal openings with prominent nasal drainage associated with a cold. The skin integrity is often disrupted by the continuous covering of purulent nasal discharge. Adults often develop impetigo from close contact with infected children. Heat, humidity, and the presence of eczema predispose a person to developing impetigo. Sometimes bacteria live in the nose and spread from there to other parts of the skin.

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