Individual lesions begin as red papules, which turn quickly to vesicular and then pustular lesions that break down and coalesce to form characteristic honeycomb-like crusts. Lesions generally are not painful, and patients do not appear ill. Fever is not a feature of impetigo. Bullous impetigo is a distinctive form of impetigo characterized by the presence of more extensive, bullous lesions that break down and leave thin paperlike crusts instead of the thick amber crusts of impetigo. Treatment consists of cleaning the lesions with soap and water and topical and systemic antiboiotics.
Antibiotics usually clear up impetigo in four or five days.
It's important for the antibiotic to be taken faithfully until the prescribed supply is completely used up. An antibiotic ointment, such as Polysporin , should be applied thinly four times daily. Polysporin can be purchased without a prescription. Crusts should be removed before the ointment is applied. Soak a soft, clean cloth in a mixture of one-half cup of white vinegar and a quart of lukewarm water.