Can Impetigo Spread to the Rest of Your Family?

Yes, impetigo is highly contagious and can easily spread through a household. When it comes to impetigo's contagious family transmission, the infection can pass through direct skin contact or by sharing items such as towels and bedding, particularly among children and people living in close contact.

What Is Impetigo?

Impetigo is a common bacterial skin infection that causes sores or blisters, usually around the nose, mouth and hands. It develops when staphylococcus or streptococcus bacteria enter the skin, often through a small cut, insect bite or patch of eczema.

According to the NHS, impetigo is most common in young children, but it can affect people of any age.

Is Impetigo Contagious? How Does It Spread?

Is impetigo contagious? Yes. It spreads easily through direct contact with sores or anything that has come into contact with them. This means it can move quickly between family members, especially in households with young children.

Common ways it spreads include:

• Direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected area.
• Sharing towels, flannels or bedding.
• Touching toys, cutlery or surfaces contaminated with the bacteria.
• Scratching a sore, then touching another part of the body or another person.

Impetigo remains contagious until the sores have crusted over or treatment has been used for at least 48 hours.

Impetigo Symptoms in Adults and Children

Impetigo symptoms usually begin as red sores that quickly burst and develop a golden brown crust. Although the infection is more common in children, impetigo symptoms in adults tend to look much the same, although outbreaks are less common.

Watch for:

• Red sores or blisters, often around the nose and mouth.
• A honey-coloured crust forming over the sores.
• Itching or mild soreness in the affected area.
• Sores that spread to nearby skin if scratched.
• Occasionally, swollen glands nearby.

How to Stop Impetigo Spreading Within Your Family

The best way to stop impetigo spreading through your family is to maintain good hygiene and avoid contact with the infected area until it has healed. A few simple precautions at home can help reduce the risk of passing it on.

Hygiene Measures

Keep the affected person's towels, flannels and bedding separate, and wash them on a hot cycle. Encourage regular handwashing and avoid sharing cutlery or cups. Where practical, gently cover the sores with loose clothing or a light dressing.

When It Is Safe to Return to School or Work

Anyone with impetigo should stay away from school, nursery or work until the sores have crusted over, or for 48 hours after starting antibiotic treatment, whichever comes first. This guidance is reflected in NICE guidance on impetigo.

How Is Impetigo Treated?

Impetigo is usually treated with antibiotic cream or, when the infection is more widespread, oral antibiotics prescribed by a clinician. Most cases clear within seven to ten days once treatment starts.

Pharmacy First for Impetigo

Under the NHS Pharmacy First scheme, a pharmacist can assess and treat impetigo in adults and children over one year old. Where appropriate, they can also supply antibiotic treatment. This means you may be able to get assessed and start treatment at a pharmacy without waiting for a GP appointment.

Get Fast Impetigo Treatment for Your Family

Impetigo can spread through a household quickly, so getting treatment early can help limit the risk to other family members. Community pharmacies such as Maple Leaf Pharmacy offer impetigo treatment through the NHS Pharmacy First service, with assessment available without a GP referral. Anyone noticing sores or crusting skin on themselves or a family member can book an appointment directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is impetigo contagious for?

Impetigo remains contagious until the sores crust over naturally, or for 48 hours after starting antibiotic treatment. After this point, the risk of passing it on is very low.

Can adults catch impetigo from their children?

Yes, adults can catch impetigo from close contact with an infected child, particularly through shared towels or direct skin contact. Good hygiene at home significantly reduces this risk.

Should the whole family be treated if one person has impetigo?

Not automatically. Only the person with visible sores usually needs treatment, though everyone in the household should follow hygiene precautions to avoid catching it themselves.

Can I go to work with impetigo?

You should stay off work until the sores have crusted over or for 48 hours after starting antibiotics. This applies especially to those working with food, young children or in healthcare.

Does impetigo leave scars?

Impetigo rarely leaves permanent scars, as the skin usually heals fully once the infection clears. Avoiding scratching helps reduce the chance of any lasting marks.

Can a pharmacist treat impetigo without a GP visit?

Yes, through the NHS Pharmacy First service, a pharmacist can assess and treat impetigo directly, including prescribing antibiotics when needed. This avoids the wait for a GP appointment in most straightforward cases.