It is most common in children and is contagious.
Impetigo forms round, crusted, oozing spots that grow larger day by day.
The hands and face are the favorite locations for impetigo, but it often appears on other parts of the body. Antibiotics taken by mouth 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.