Crusts or Sores on Eczema-Prone Skin: When to Ask About Impetigo
A child with eczema can also develop a separate skin infection. New crusting, blisters or sores deserve attention, particularly when they are spreading or the child feels unwell.
What is impetigo?
CDC describes impetigo as a contagious bacterial skin infection that can be caused by group A strep, staph or both. Sores can form crusts that appear honey-colored. A clinician can diagnose the cause and recommend appropriate treatment; appearance can vary with skin tone and the stage of infection.
| Question | What the evidence says |
|---|---|
| New spreading sores or crusts | Contact the child's clinician for evaluation and treatment advice. |
| Fever, rapidly spreading redness or significant pain | Seek prompt medical attention. |
| School or childcare | Ask the clinician and follow local rules. CDC's group A strep guidance says return is generally possible after appropriate antibiotics have started and at least 12 hours have passed, with sores covered where possible. |
| Close-contact sports | Ask the clinician and sports organization for return-to-play rules; they can differ from school rules. |
Practical steps at home
Avoid sharing towels or personal products, wash hands and follow the clinician's instructions for covering and caring for sores. A moisturizer is not an antibiotic and should not be relied on to clear an infection.
Read about hand, foot and mouth disease in children with eczema and questions to ask before returning to sport.
Dr. Arsy Hydration Recovery Moisturizer #003 is a fragrance-free moisturizer for dry, sensitive and eczema-prone skin. Follow its label and your clinician's advice; it does not replace a medical treatment.
Sources and further reading
- CDC: About impetigo.
- CDC: Clinical guidance for group A streptococcal impetigo.
- CDC: Preventing group A strep infection.
Educational information from Dr. Arsy, not individual medical advice. Cited organizations and researchers do not endorse this product.