How to Recognize Impetigo: Symptoms, Causes, and When to See a Dermatologist in Connecticut

Impetigo is a common and highly contagious skin infection, particularly among young children and school-aged kids. It’s frequently seen during the warmer months or after children return from summer camp or daycare—environments where close contact and shared surfaces make it easy for the infection to spread. At Dermatology Physicians of Connecticut, we regularly diagnose and treat impetigo in both children and adults.

What Does Impetigo Look Like?

The hallmark sign of impetigo is the development of yellowish-gold crusts, often described as “honey-colored.” These crusts typically form after red bumps or small blisters break open, release fluid, and then dry out and scab over.

Common areas affected include:

• Around the nose and mouth
• Hands, arms, and legs
• Diaper area in infants and toddlers
• Facial areas scratched from bug bites or eczema flare-ups

Impetigo often develops after a minor skin injury like a cut, scrape, or insect bite. Children with eczema or poison ivy may be especially prone to impetigo due to frequent scratching that introduces bacteria into the skin.

Types of Impetigo

There are two primary forms of impetigo, both caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria:

1. Non-bullous impetigo (most common)

• Begins as red bumps or small blisters
• Quickly bursts and forms thick, honey-colored scabs
• Typically painless but may itch
• Often appears on the face, especially around the nose and mouth

2. Bullous impetigo

• Causes larger, fluid-filled blisters
• Common on the torso, arms, or diaper area
• Blisters rupture and leave behind a thin, clear crust
• Seen more frequently in infants and young children

Who Gets Impetigo?

Children between the ages of 2 and 10 are most at risk, especially in the summer and fall months. High-risk groups include:

• Campers and daycare attendees
• Young athletes (due to close contact and shared equipment)
• Adults with chronic skin conditions, diabetes, or weakened immune systems

How Is Impetigo Treated?

If you notice red, crusting sores on your child, don’t wait to seek treatment. Impetigo spreads easily through families and classrooms if left untreated—but fortunately, it typically responds well to antibiotics.

At Dermatology Physicians of Connecticut, our board-certified dermatologists can:

• Confirm a diagnosis with a quick visual exam or swab test
• Prescribe topical or oral antibiotics based on the severity
• Offer skincare guidance to reduce recurrence and prevent scarring

We also offer same-day appointments for pediatric skin infections at our 10 convenient Connecticut locations—so your child doesn’t have to wait for relief.

Tips to Prevent the Spread of Impetigo

Help stop impetigo from spreading by:

• Keeping infected children home from school, camp, or daycare
• Encouraging frequent handwashing with soap and water
• Avoiding shared towels, toys, clothing, or sports gear
• Keeping fingernails trimmed to reduce scratching
• Cleaning and covering sores with a bandage

When to See a Dermatologist in Connecticut

If your child returns from camp or school with red sores, blisters, or scabbing skin, don’t assume it’s just a bug bite or irritation. Make an appointment with a dermatologist—especially if:

• The rash is worsening or spreading
• Over-the-counter creams aren’t helping
• The sores keep coming back
• Your child has eczema, which can make impetigo more likely

Find Fast Relief from Impetigo

At Dermatology Physicians of Connecticut, we specialize in treating both pediatric and adult skin infections including impetigo. We proudly serve families throughout Fairfield County, New Haven County, and nearby Connecticut communities.

👉 Request an Appointment Today at one of our convenient locations in Branford, Fairfield, Hamden, New London, Oxford, Stamford, Shelton, Norwalk, or New Haven  to get fast, effective relief from impetigo and other skin concerns.