The sores don't hurt, but may be tender if touched. Anyone can get impetigo, but it most often occurs in children 2 to 5 years old. The disease is most common during summer and fall, but can occur anytime. These bacteria are found on the skin and in the nose. When small cuts, scratches, or insect bites occur, these bacteria can get under the skin surface and cause infection.
Infected areas are often reddish and puffy.
Pus-filled blisters occur, but can be so small that they are not noticed. When the blisters break, the fluid dries to form the honey-colored crusts. As the bacteria multiply, the sores increase in number and size. The bacteria that cause impetigo are found on normal skin and in the nose. Large numbers of the bacteria are in the impetigo crusts and pus.