Impetigo is a bacterial infection of the skin. This infection is usually caused by Staphylococcus aurea and is highly contagious, but usually not serious.

Impetigo can affect adults but it is much more common in young children.

Impetigo is spread easily by close contact, sharing towels, bedding and toys. Scratching can also spread the sores to other body parts.

Impetigo can affect healthy skin, but commonly affects skin that's already damaged such as skin conditions like eczema.

Impetigo starts with blisters and red sores which can burst and leave golden-brown crusty patches. These can get bigger, be itchy, painful and spread to other areas of the body.

Patients with impetigo are infectious until 48 hours after starting medication or when the patches dry out and crust over.