Impetigo is a skin infection caused by bacteria. The infection often begins when bacteria that normally can be present on the skin enter a small cut or scratch. Impetigo is very contagious.

Symptoms of impetigo include blisters that break open, ooze fluid, and form patches of crusty sores. These patches may look yellow, gold, or brown. The sores can appear anywhere on the body. Scratching the blisters may spread impetigo to other parts of the body. Impetigo is more common in children than adults.

Impetigo is most often treated with antibiotics.