From the Guidelines
Impetigo typically lasts about 7-10 days with proper treatment, though it can resolve within 2-3 days once antibiotic therapy begins. The duration of impetigo can vary depending on the severity of the infection and the effectiveness of treatment.
Treatment Overview
- Treatment usually involves topical antibiotics like mupirocin (Bactroban) applied twice daily for 5 days for limited infections, as recommended by the Infectious Diseases Society of America 1.
- Oral antibiotics such as cephalexin or dicloxacillin are typically used for more widespread cases, usually for a 7-day regimen 1.
Key Considerations
- Without treatment, impetigo may persist for several weeks and can spread to other parts of the body or to other people.
- It's essential to complete the full course of antibiotics even if symptoms improve quickly.
- Good hygiene practices are crucial during recovery, including washing the affected areas gently with soap and water, avoiding touching or scratching the sores, using separate towels and washcloths, and washing all clothing, bedding, and towels in hot water.
Contagious Period
- Impetigo is highly contagious until about 24-48 hours after starting antibiotics, so children should stay home from school during this initial treatment period. The most recent and highest quality study, published in 2014 by the Infectious Diseases Society of America 1, provides guidance on the diagnosis and management of skin and soft tissue infections, including impetigo. This study recommends a 7-day regimen of oral antibiotics for ecthyma or impetigo, unless cultures yield streptococci alone, in which case oral penicillin is recommended 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
If impetigo has not improved in 3 to 5 days, contact your healthcare practitioner The duration of impetigo is not explicitly stated, but it is expected to improve within 3 to 5 days of treatment with mupirocin ointment, as indicated by the instruction to contact a healthcare practitioner if no improvement is seen within this timeframe 2.
From the Research
Duration of Impetigo
- The duration of impetigo is typically 2 to 3 weeks without scarring, and complications are rare 3.
- Both nonbullous and bullous impetigo usually resolve within this timeframe, regardless of the treatment approach 3.
- The resolution of impetigo can be achieved through various treatments, including topical antibiotics, which have been shown to be effective in clinical trials 4.
- The use of topical antibiotics, such as mupirocin, retapamulin, and fusidic acid, can help resolve impetigo within the typical 2- to 3-week duration 3, 4.
- It is essential to note that the increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria may affect the duration and treatment of impetigo, highlighting the need for appropriate antimicrobial stewardship 5.