Impetigo very contagious and deadly if you have a weak immune system. Some types of the bacteria that cause impetigo have become resistant to certain antibiotics.

Risk factors

Factors that increase the risk of impetigo include:

Age. Impetigo occurs most commonly in children ages 2 to 5. Close contact. Impetigo spreads easily within families, in crowded settings, such as schools and child care facilities, and from participating in sports that involve skin-to-skin contact. Warm, humid weather. Impetigo infections are more common in warm, humid weather. Broken skin. The bacteria that cause impetigo often enter the skin through a small cut, insect bite or rash. Other health conditions. Children with other skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis (eczema), are more likely to develop impetigo. Older adults, people with diabetes or people with a weakened immune system are also more likely to get it. Complications Impetigo typically isn't dangerous. And the sores in mild forms of the infection generally heal without scarring.

Rarely, complications of impetigo include:

Cellulitis. This potentially life-threatening infection affects the tissues underlying the skin and eventually may spread to the lymph nodes and bloodstream. Kidney problems. One of the types of bacteria that cause impetigo can also damage the kidneys. Scarring. The sores associated with ecthyma can leave scars. Prevention Keeping skin clean is the best way to keep it healthy. It's important to wash cuts, scrapes, insect bites and other wounds right away.

To help prevent impetigo from spreading to others:

Gently wash the affected areas with mild soap and running water and then cover lightly with gauze. Wash an infected person's clothes, linens and towels every day with hot water and don't share them with anyone else in your family. Wear gloves when applying antibiotic ointment and wash your hands thoroughly afterward. Cut an infected child's nails short to prevent damage from scratching. Encourage regular and thorough handwashing and good hygiene in general. Keep your child with impetigo home until your doctor says they aren't contagious.