Impetigo in teenagers

Overview

Impetigo is a common and very contagious skin infection caused by bacteria. It usually shows up as red sores that burst, ooze, and then form a golden or honey-colored crust. In teenagers, it often appears on the face, arms, or legs, and can spread quickly through close contact.

Yes, impetigo is very common among children and teenagers, especially during warm, humid months or when living in close quarters like dormitories or sports teams.

It can affect anyone, but teenagers are more likely to get it if they play contact sports (like wrestling or football), share personal items, or have broken skin from cuts, scrapes, or insect bites.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Red, itchy sores that turn into blisters and then ooze fluid
• A golden or honey-colored crust forming over the sores
• Sores that may appear around the mouth, nose, or on other body parts
• Mild skin discomfort or itching at the site

Symptoms in children

• In younger children, impetigo often affects the face, especially around the mouth and nose.
• The sores may be smaller and less itchy than in teenagers.
• Children may also have swollen lymph nodes in the neck or groin.

Symptoms in older adults

• Impetigo is rare in healthy older adults, but it can occur if the skin is already damaged or if the immune system is weakened.
• In older adults, sores may be larger and take longer to heal.
• There is also a slightly higher risk of complications like cellulitis (a deeper skin infection).

Causes

Main causes

• Infection with bacteria called Streptococcus pyogenes or Staphylococcus aureus
• The bacteria enter the skin through a small cut, scrape, insect bite, or other break in the skin

Risk factors

• Living in crowded conditions (like college dorms, sports teams, or camps)
• Sharing towels, razors, clothing, or bedding with someone who has impetigo
• Playing contact sports such as wrestling, football, or rugby
• Having a skin condition like eczema, poison ivy, or athlete's foot that causes breaks in the skin
• Poor hygiene, such as not washing hands regularly

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If the sores are spreading rapidly despite home care
• If the teenager has a fever or feels generally unwell
• If the sores become extremely painful, warm, or red (signs of cellulitis)

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you suspect impetigo for the first time, see a doctor to confirm the diagnosis and get treatment
• If the infection returns after treatment has ended

Diagnosis

A doctor can usually diagnose impetigo just by looking at the sores. They will ask about symptoms, recent activities (like sports or skin injuries), and any close contacts with similar sores.

Tests that may be done

• Usually no tests are needed. But if the infection is severe or keeps coming back, the doctor may take a swab from the sore to identify the specific bacteria.

What to expect at your appointment

The visit is quick and straightforward. The doctor will examine the sores, ask a few questions, and then prescribe treatment. If a swab is taken, it may be sent to a lab and results come back in a few days.

Treatment

Impetigo is treated with antibiotics. Most cases in teenagers can be managed with a special antibiotic cream applied to the sores. For widespread or stubborn infections, oral antibiotics (taken by mouth) may be needed. Treatment usually lasts 7 to 10 days.

Self-care at home

• Gently wash the sores with soap and water two to three times a day, and pat dry with a clean towel
• Do not touch or scratch the sores, as this can spread the bacteria to other parts of your body or to others
• Keep your nails short and clean to reduce the chance of scratching
• Use a separate towel, washcloth, and bedding until the sores heal
• Avoid sharing personal items like razors, sports equipment, or towels
• Stay home from school or sports until at least 24 hours after starting treatment (or until the sores are no longer oozing)

Medical treatments

A doctor will prescribe an antibiotic cream (a topical antibiotic) to apply directly to the sores. If the infection covers a large area or does not respond to the cream, oral antibiotics (taken by mouth) may be given. It is very important to finish the entire course of antibiotics, even if the sores look better.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not needed for impetigo. In rare cases, if a deep skin infection (cellulitis) develops, the doctor may need to drain a pocket of pus, but this is very uncommon.

Living with this condition

Most teenagers can continue with their usual activities, but they should avoid close contact with others (including sports, gym, and parties) until the infection is no longer contagious. This usually means staying home from school for 24 hours after starting antibiotics. Good hygiene and keeping the sores clean help speed recovery.

Lifestyle tips

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after touching the sores
• Do not share towels, sports equipment, or bedding
• Wear loose, clean clothing to avoid irritating the sores
• Avoid swimming or soaking in bath tubs until the sores are fully healed

Diet and exercise

There is no special diet needed for impetigo. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables supports the immune system. Light exercise is fine as long as it does not irritate the sores or cause sweating that keeps the area damp. Avoid intense contact sports until the infection clears.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Teenagers may feel self-conscious or embarrassed about the visible sores on their face or body. The itchiness and need to avoid close contact can also be frustrating. It is important to talk about these feelings with a parent, guardian, or school counselor. The condition is temporary and will heal without leaving scars if treated properly.

Prevention

Yes, good hygiene and avoiding direct contact with infected people can help prevent impetigo. Wash hands often, do not share personal items, and keep any cuts or scrapes clean and covered. If your teenager plays contact sports, make sure they shower immediately after practice and do not share towels or uniforms.

Vaccines

There is no vaccine specifically for impetigo. However, keeping up to date with other vaccines (like tetanus) is always recommended to prevent complications from skin wounds.

Screening programmes

No routine screening is needed for impetigo. If a family member or teammate has it, watch for sores and see a doctor at the first sign.

Complications

If left untreated

• The infection can spread to other parts of the body or to other people
• Rarely, the bacteria can cause a deeper skin infection called cellulitis
• In very rare cases, a type of Streptococcus bacteria that causes impetigo can lead to a kidney condition called post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, which causes blood in the urine and swelling

Long-term outlook

With proper treatment, impetigo almost always heals completely without scars. The outlook is excellent. Most teenagers feel better within a few days of starting antibiotics, and the infection clears up within a week or two. Staying on top of hygiene and completing the prescribed treatment are the best ways to ensure a smooth recovery.

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