To diagnose impetigo, your doctor might look for sores on your face or body. Lab tests generally aren't needed.
If the sores don't clear, even with antibiotic treatment, your doctor might take a sample of the liquid produced by a sore and test it to see what types of antibiotics would work best on it. Some types of the bacteria that cause impetigo have become resistant to certain antibiotics.
Impetigo is treated with prescription mupirocin antibiotic ointment or cream applied directly to the sores two to three times a day for five to 10 days.
Before applying the medicine, soak the area in warm water or apply a wet cloth compress for a few minutes. Then pat dry and gently remove any scabs so the antibiotic can get into the skin. Place a nonstick bandage over the area to help prevent the sores from spreading.
For ecthyma or if more than just a few impetigo sores are present, your doctor might prescribe antibiotics taken by mouth. Be sure to finish the entire course of medication even if the sores are healed.
