Impetigo is a highly contagious bacterial skin infection that you usually “get” when bacteria enter through broken or irritated skin or through close contact with someone who has it.

What impetigo is

  • Impetigo is a superficial skin infection caused mainly by Staphylococcus aureus and sometimes group A streptococcus.
  • It often shows up as red spots that turn into blisters or honey‑colored crusts, especially on the face, around the nose and mouth, and on the arms or legs.

How you get impetigo

You don’t just “catch” impetigo out of thin air; bacteria need a way into the skin.

  • Most people get it through direct skin‑to‑skin contact with someone who has active sores, or contact with their mucus or nasal discharge.
  • You can also get impetigo from touching contaminated items like towels, clothing, bedding, or toys that have the bacteria on them.

Skin damage and risk factors

Anything that breaks or irritates the skin makes it easier for the bacteria to get in.

  • Common triggers include cuts, scrapes, insect bites, burns, eczema, chickenpox, and other rashes that make you scratch.
  • Crowded settings (schools, daycare, sports teams, prisons, barracks), warm humid weather, poor hygiene, diabetes, weakened immunity, and malnutrition all increase the chance of getting impetigo.

Who gets it most

Although anyone can get impetigo, some groups are affected more often.

  • It is especially common in young children around 2–5 years old and in kids in daycare or school because they have frequent close contact and shared surfaces.
  • Athletes in contact sports (like wrestling or football) and adults living in close quarters or with other skin diseases are also at higher risk.

Quick prevention tips

  • Keep skin clean, wash hands regularly, and trim nails to reduce scratching damage.
  • Do not share towels, washcloths, clothes, or sports gear, and keep kids with suspicious crusty sores away from school or daycare until checked by a clinician.

Bottom note: This is general information and not a diagnosis. If you or a child has new crusty, oozing, or rapidly spreading sores, especially on the face, see a healthcare professional promptly for proper evaluation and treatment.