Is Impetigo Contagious and How Can You Prevent It?

Impetigo is a common and highly contagious skin infection, often affecting children, though adults can also contract it. It is caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes, leading to red sores, blisters, or honey-coloured crusts, typically appearing on the face, arms, or legs. It spreads easily through skin-to-skin contact, shared items, or even airborne droplets in some cases. In this blog, we will know about how impetigo spreads and what effective steps you can take to prevent it. Understanding Impetigo: Causes, Types, and Risk Factors Before we understand how impetigo spreads, it’s important to know its type, what causes it, and who is more likely to contract it. Types of Impetigo Let’s begin by looking at the two main types of impetigo and what triggers them: Non-bullous impetigo : The most common form , marked by red sores that burst and leave a honey-coloured crust. Bullous impetigo: Less common, it presents as larger blisters typically ...