How does impetigo transmission occur?

Question

Hello doctor,

I was diagnosed with impetigo and started oral and topical antibiotics about 48 hours ago. I wonder if I am still contagious to others and if I can still spread it to other areas of my body? I still see fluid-filled sores that have not burst, and in my mind, those must contain more of the bacteria to infect further. I wonder when I should no longer be worried about spreading it to other parts of my body and when I should no longer be worried about infecting other people. I started the oral and topical treatment 48 hours ago. Thanks.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I hope you are keeping safe. I understand your concern and have read your brief history. You can continue on the medications prescribed for you for impetigo as those are good enough. The pustules would take about three to five days to respond to the medications, so no need to panic. As long as you do not keep getting new lesions, you can continue on the same medications. After about two to three doses of the medications (or approximately 24 hours), the contagious nature of the condition also subsides. You can add tablet Cetirizine 10 mg once in the night if itching is present. Follow some measures like wash the area before application of Mupirocin. Do not itch or manipulate the area. Keep the area dry. Do not share your personal belongings. Do warm compresses for the area. I hope your query is cleared. Thank you and take care.