Complications and Risks of Impetigo

Most impetigo clears without lasting harm, especially when treated early. Complications are uncommon but can be serious.

Skin and soft tissue

• Cellulitis: a deeper skin infection with redness, warmth, swelling and fever
• Lymphangitis: red streaks and swollen glands
• Abscesses or boils
• Scarring or skin colour changes after ecthyma
• Spread to other parts of the body or to others

After group A strep infection

• Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis: kidney inflammation that can appear 1 to 3 weeks after the skin infection. Signs include puffy face or eyes, tea-coloured or reduced urine, high blood pressure and tiredness. It needs medical care.
• Rheumatic fever is rare after skin infection, but seen after throat infection.

Staphylococcal toxin illness

• Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome in babies and young children, with widespread blistering and peeling. It is urgent.

Other

• Bloodstream infection or bone and joint infection, which is very rare.
• Higher risk in newborns, people with diabetes, malnutrition or weak immunity.

Seek urgent care for

Fever with spreading rash, a newborn with blisters, difficulty breathing, drowsiness or confusion. Call 112 or 102.

Key point

Prompt treatment of impetigo and a follow-up for any urine or swelling changes prevents most complications.

Before your appointment

Note when the sores began, where they started, whether they ooze or crust, and whether anyone at home or school has similar sores. List any fever, itching, eczema, scabies, diabetes, allergies and medicines tried so far. Take a photo of the rash. Ask about the antibiotic, when it is safe to return to school and the warning signs that mean you should call 112 or 102.