You’ve just been told you have impetigo. Maybe you’re looking at those honey-crusted spots in the mirror and thinking, “How did this happen?” or “How fast can this go away?” First, take a deep breath. You’re not alone, and this is one of those skin conditions that almost always gets better, often much faster than you expect, once you start the right care. Impetigo may look a little alarming, but it’s very treatable, and most people start feeling relief within just a few days.
You’re already taking a great step by wanting to understand your impetigo treatment options. Let’s walk through everything together so you feel confident, cared for, and ready to heal.
What’s Happening on Your Skin Right Now
Impetigo is a bacterial infection that sneaks in through tiny breaks in the skin, such as a scratch, a bug bite, a little nick from shaving, or even dry, cracked skin. The usual culprits are staph or strep bacteria, which love warm, slightly moist places (think summer faces or post-nap cheeks in little ones).
You might see bright red patches that turn into small blisters, then burst, leaving behind that classic golden-yellow crust. It can itch, sting, or just feel annoying. The sores often appear around the nose and mouth, but they can appear anywhere, including on the arms, legs, and even the hands.
Here’s the comforting part: this is rarely dangerous, and with the right treatment, it usually clears completely without leaving scars. You’re dealing with something common and very manageable. The sooner you start, the quicker those spots fade and the sooner you stop worrying about them.
The Treatments That Actually Work
Your doctor has probably already chosen the best path for you, but knowing what’s behind the recommendations can make the whole process feel less mysterious.
Creams & Ointments – Your Gentle First Line of Defense
For most people, especially when there are just a handful of spots, a prescription cream or ointment is all you need. These go straight to the bacteria living on your skin and stop them in their tracks.
The two most common ones are:
- Mupirocin (often called Bactroban) – You usually apply it 2–3 times a day for 5–10 days.
- Retapamulin – Applied twice a day for 5 days, and it’s gentle enough for babies as young as 9 months.
Here’s a little routine that makes a big difference:
- Soak the area with a warm, damp cloth for 5 minutes to soften the crusts.
- Gently pat dry (no rubbing!).
- Carefully remove any loose crusts with clean hands or a soft cloth.
- Apply a thin layer of the ointment.
- Cover with a nonstick bandage if you want to keep it protected (and keep it off your pillow or clothes).
Most people notice the sores start drying up and looking less angry within 2–4 days. That moment when you see real improvement is incredibly reassuring.
Pills When the Infection Is More Widespread
If the sores are covering a larger area, keep spreading, or look deeper (sometimes called ecthyma), your doctor may prescribe an oral antibiotic. These work throughout your whole body to knock out the infection more quickly.
Common choices include:
- Cephalexin (Keflex)
- Clindamycin
- Sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (Bactrim)
You’ll usually take them for 7–10 days. Even if the sores look better after a few days, finishing the full course is important; it makes sure every last bacterium is gone.
Side effects are usually mild (maybe a little stomach upset), and taking the medicine with food or a glass of milk often helps. You’re giving your skin the strongest backup possible, and that’s exactly what it needs right now.
Everyday Things You Can Do to Feel Better Faster
While the medicine does the heavy lifting, a few simple habits can speed healing and make you more comfortable:
- Wash the area gently once or twice a day with mild soap and warm water.
- Pat dry softly, no scrubbing.
- Keep your fingernails short so scratching is less tempting.
- Use a cool, damp cloth for a few minutes when it feels itchy or sore.
- Wear loose, breathable clothing over the spots.
- Change pillowcases and towels often, and wash them in hot water.
These small actions aren’t just busywork; they actually help your skin recover faster and protect the people you love from catching it too.
When to Check in with Your Doctor Again
You’re already doing the hard part by staying on top of this. Most of the time, things improve steadily. However, reach out to your doctor if:
- New spots keep appearing after a few days of treatment
- You develop a fever, swelling, or red streaks coming from the sores
- The area becomes very painful or feels hot to the touch
- The sores don’t start improving after 3–5 days of treatment
You know your body best. Trust that instinct if something feels off; calling for advice is always the right move.
Keeping Impetigo from Coming Back
Once your skin is clear again, a few easy habits can help keep it that way:
- Wash your hands often, especially after touching your face.
- Cover any cuts, scrapes, or bug bites with a bandage.
- Don’t share towels, razors, face cloths, or sports gear.
- Keep skin clean and dry, especially in warm weather.
These are simple things that protect you and everyone around you. You’re building good habits that will serve you long after this is over.
You’re Going to Be Just Fine
Impetigo can feel frustrating, especially when it shows up on your face, but it’s one of those conditions that really does respond beautifully to treatment. Day by day, those crusty spots will dry up, the redness will fade, and you’ll start to forget they were ever there.
You’re already taking charge by learning more about it. Keep following your treatment plan, be gentle with your skin, and give yourself credit for handling this with care. In a week or two, you’ll look back and realize how quickly it all improved.
If anything worries you along the way, your doctor is only a call away. You’ve got this, and your skin will look and feel like you again very soon.