My Baby Has Impetigo
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Chen, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Pediatrician
Content reviewed against published AAP, AAD, Mayo Clinic guidelines
Last reviewed:
Baby skin is sensitive and changes frequently. If you are noticing has impetigo, here is what you need to know.
The short answer
Impetigo is a common bacterial skin infection in babies and young children, caused by staph or strep bacteria. It appears as red sores that quickly develop into honey-colored crusts, most often around the nose, mouth, and hands. While it looks unpleasant, impetigo is very treatable with antibiotic ointment or oral antibiotics and clears up within a week or two of starting treatment.
Key takeaways
- Impetigo is a common bacterial skin infection in babies and young children, caused by staph or strep bacteria. It appears as red sores that quickly develop into honey-colored crusts, most often around the nose, mouth, and hands. While it looks unpleasant, impetigo is very treatable with antibiotic ointment or oral antibiotics and clears up within a week or two of starting treatment.
- Usually normal when: A few small sores around the nose or mouth with honey-colored crusts that are responding to prescribed antibiotic treatment
- Call your doctor if: The skin around the sores becomes deeply red, very swollen, warm, and painful, or your baby develops a fever, which could indicate the infection is spreading deeper into the skin (cellulitis)
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
“Eczema is very common in babies and children. About 1 in 10 children will develop eczema, typically starting in the first few months of life.”
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What Parents Should Know
According to AAP, AAD, Mayo Clinic guidelines, impetigo is a common bacterial skin infection in babies and young children, caused by staph or strep bacteria. It appears as red sores that quickly develop into honey-colored crusts, most often around the nose, mouth, and hands. While it looks unpleasant, impetigo is very treatable with antibiotic ointment or oral antibiotics and clears up within a week or two of starting treatment. At 0-6 months, impetigo in young infants can occasionally present as a more serious bullous form, with larger blisters filled with clear or yellowish fluid. Newborns' skin is more vulnerable to bacterial infections, and any skin infection in this age group warrants a visit to the pediatrician. The bacteria can enter through tiny breaks in the skin, diaper rash, or eczema patches. Keep the affected area clean and avoid touching it without washing your hands. It is generally considered normal when a few small sores around the nose or mouth with honey-colored crusts that are responding to prescribed antibiotic treatment. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if the skin around the sores becomes deeply red, very swollen, warm, and painful, or your baby develops a fever, which could indicate the infection is spreading deeper into the skin (cellulitis).
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
0-6 months
Impetigo in young infants can occasionally present as a more serious bullous form, with larger blisters filled with clear or yellowish fluid. Newborns' skin is more vulnerable to bacterial infections, and any skin infection in this age group warrants a visit to the pediatrician. The bacteria can enter through tiny breaks in the skin, diaper rash, or eczema patches. Keep the affected area clean and avoid touching it without washing your hands.
6-12 months
As babies explore the world by putting everything in their mouths, impetigo often develops around the mouth, nose, and chin where drool and food create a moist environment that bacteria love. It typically starts as small red spots that quickly turn into blisters, which then burst and form characteristic honey-colored or golden crusts. Impetigo is very contagious, so wash your hands frequently and keep your baby's towels and bedding separate from other family members.
1-2 years
Toddlers are particularly prone to impetigo because minor cuts, scrapes, insect bites, and eczema patches provide entry points for bacteria, and they frequently touch their faces. Impetigo often spreads from one area to another on your child's body through scratching. Your pediatrician will likely prescribe a topical antibiotic ointment (such as mupirocin) for mild cases or an oral antibiotic for more widespread infection. Your child is usually no longer contagious after 24-48 hours of antibiotic treatment.
2-3 years
At this age, impetigo can spread easily in daycare and play group settings through direct contact or shared toys. If your child develops impetigo, keep them home from daycare until they have been on antibiotics for at least 24 hours and the sores are no longer weeping. Gently clean the crusted areas with warm water and soap before applying prescription ointment. Impetigo rarely leaves scars, and recurrence is common but preventable with good hand hygiene.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed has impetigo and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if the sores are spreading despite 2-3 days of topical antibiotic treatment.
- Mention if new sores are appearing in areas away from the original patch.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- A few small sores around the nose or mouth with honey-colored crusts that are responding to prescribed antibiotic treatment
- Mild redness around the sores without significant swelling or pain
- The crusts gradually clearing and new skin appearing within 7-10 days of starting antibiotics
- The sores are spreading despite 2-3 days of topical antibiotic treatment
- New sores are appearing in areas away from the original patch
- Your baby has recurring episodes of impetigo
- The skin around the sores becomes deeply red, very swollen, warm, and painful, or your baby develops a fever, which could indicate the infection is spreading deeper into the skin (cellulitis)
- Your baby's urine becomes dark or cola-colored in the weeks following impetigo, which rarely can indicate post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, a kidney complication that needs immediate medical attention
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice has impetigo — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that a few small sores around the nose or mouth with honey-colored crusts that are responding to prescribed antibiotic treatment — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 0-6 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Use fragrance-free, hypoallergenic products on your baby's skin. Avoid over-bathing — 2-3 baths per week is usually sufficient.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if the skin around the sores becomes deeply red, very swollen, warm, and painful, or your baby develops a fever, which could indicate the infection is spreading deeper into the skin (cellulitis).
Related Resources
Baby Skin Conditions Guide
Visual guide to common baby skin conditions, rashes, and when to see a doctor.
Month-by-Month Development
Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.
When to Call the Doctor
General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.
Frequently asked questions
Is has impetigo normal?
When should I call the doctor about has impetigo?
When is has impetigo normal?
What causes has impetigo?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about has impetigo?
Is has impetigo normal at 0-6 months?
Is has impetigo normal at 6-12 months?
Should I go to the ER for has impetigo?
Does has impetigo go away on its own?
References
- [1]American Academy of Pediatrics. Impetigo. HealthyChildren.org. AAP
- [2]American Academy of Dermatology. Impetigo: Overview. AAD
- [3]Mayo Clinic. Impetigo. Symptoms & Causes. Mayo Clinic
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss My Baby Has Impetigo.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed has impetigo and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if the sores are spreading despite 2-3 days of topical antibiotic treatment.
- Mention if new sores are appearing in areas away from the original patch.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- The sores are spreading despite 2-3 days of topical antibiotic treatment
- New sores are appearing in areas away from the original patch
- Your baby has recurring episodes of impetigo
Urgent signs to report immediately
- The skin around the sores becomes deeply red, very swollen, warm, and painful, or your baby develops a fever, which could indicate the infection is spreading deeper into the skin (cellulitis)
- Your baby's urine becomes dark or cola-colored in the weeks following impetigo, which rarely can indicate post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, a kidney complication that needs immediate medical attention
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of has impetigo are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if the skin around the sores becomes deeply red, very swollen, warm, and painful, or your baby develops a fever, which could indicate the infection is spreading deeper into the skin (cellulitis).
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
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