Signs and symptoms

Let’s review both types:

Non-bullous impetigo may present with the following:

• Thin-walled vesicles or pustules (rarely seen on clinical examination as they rupture quickly) that ooze, forming a characteristic golden/brown crust
• A crust that dries and leaves red marks that usually fade without scarring within two to three weeks
• Usually asymptomatic – but may be mildly itchy
• Lesions can develop anywhere on the body, but are most common on exposed skin on the face (especially around the nose and mouth), limbs and body folds
• A fever is rare but can occur in severe cases.³

Bullous impetigo may present with the following:

• Fluid-filled vesicles and blisters, usually 1-2cm across
• Lesions can occur anywhere on the body but are most common on body folds, the face, the trunk and limbs
• Blisters are less easily ruptured than in non-bullous impetigo, and initially contain clear fluid which then becomes cloudy
• Blisters rupture leaving a thin, flat yellow/brown crust
• Healing usually occurs within two to three weeks without scarring
• If large areas are affected, then fever, swollen glands, diarrhoea and weakness may occur.