After touching an impetigo lesion, wash your hands with warm, soapy water to help prevent the spread of the infection, says Dr. Some skin rashes are just as contagious as impetigo. These include cold sores, ringworm, scabies, and chickenpox. Impetigo is different from rashes that are caused by an allergic reaction. Take poison ivy, for example. A person must come in contact with a poison ivy plant to develop a skin reaction. This rash occurs only on parts of the skin exposed to the plant.
Impetigo, on the other hand, can develop anywhere on the body and spread. Spreading happens when you scratch a lesion and then touch another part of your body. In the case of impetigo, a rash may appear 4 to 10 days after exposure to the bacteria or contact with lesions. Other rashes can have a longer incubation period.
For example, a scabies rash can develop within days of skin-to-skin contact with a scabies mite. But sometimes, it can take up to six weeks for the first symptoms to appear. A chickenpox rash will usually develop 10 to 21 days after exposure to the virus.
If you have a dry or itchy rash from eczema , chickenpox, or another similar ailment, scratching the rash can break your skin.
This can provide a point of entry for the staph or strep bacteria. Take steps to soothe itchy skin if you have any type of rash. This includes applying topical anti-itch cream or other soothing lotion. Keeping a rash covered with gauze can help prevent scratching and complications. This can lead to permanent skin scarring, but these deep infections are more likely to occur in those with a weakened immune system.
Other complications of impetigo can include cellulitis , which is when the infection affects the tissue underlying the skin. The strep bacteria can also lead to poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis. This is when an immune reaction results in kidney inflammation and renal damage.
Even so, you must take steps to prevent recurrent impetigo infections. Avoid sharing personal items, and wash your bath towels, linens, and any clothes worn during the infection in hot water. You can also help avoid recurrent infections by avoiding close contact with anyone who has a skin rash or lesions. If you suspect impetigo, make an appointment with your doctor or dermatologist as soon as possible to begin treatment and clear the infection.
Some skin rashes are minor and treatable with over-the-counter medication. But some highly contagious skin rashes and infections require prescription medication.
So don't ignore any unusual bumps, lesions, or blisters on the skin. A doctor can determine the exact cause bacterial, fungal, viral, allergic and recommend the most appropriate treatment. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter.
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