Impetigo is a common, contagious bacterial skin infection. It causes red, itchy sores that ooze and then form honey-colored crusts, most often around the nose and mouth. It is most common in children ages 2 to 5, but anyone can get it. At Urgent Care Center of Westmont in Westmont, IL, also known as Immediate Care Center of Westmont, you can walk in to have sores checked and treated.
The CDC says impetigo is treated with antibiotics, either a cream for a few sores or pills for more widespread infection. Our team, led by board-certified physicians, will recommend the right approach and explain how to keep it from spreading to the rest of the family.
Impetigo is caused by group A strep bacteria, staph bacteria, or both. The bacteria often enter through a scrape, insect bite or other break in the skin. MedlinePlus notes that MRSA, a type of staph, is becoming more common as a cause.
Impetigo spreads by close contact, especially in homes, daycares and other crowded places. Scratching can move it to other parts of the body. Sores usually heal without scarring.
Impetigo is usually recognized by how the skin looks. The provider will examine the sores and ask how long they have been there. If sores are not healing or MRSA is a concern, they may take a sample to send to the lab.
Treatment depends on how many sores there are and how widespread they are. Follow the plan exactly as prescribed and finish all of it, even when the skin looks better.
The CDC says people can return to school, daycare or work once they have started antibiotic treatment, as long as the sores are covered. Check your school’s or daycare’s own policy as well.
Return for a recheck if sores spread, are not improving with treatment, or come with fever. Get prompt care for red, warm, painful, swelling skin that spreads quickly. Rarely, strep impetigo can lead to kidney problems; the CDC lists this as a rare complication. Seek care for dark or cola-colored urine or swelling of the face or legs.
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room for trouble breathing, chest pain, stroke signs, severe bleeding, or a child who is very drowsy or hard to wake.
Other skin and family care at our clinic:
Parents bring children to us for skin infections from nearby communities, including:
Live closer to home? See our urgent care page for Westmont, IL.
Walk-ins are welcome at both of our locations: the main clinic at 29 N Cass Ave, Ste A, Westmont, IL 60559, and our second location inside Jewel-Osco at 4 E Ogden Ave, Westmont, IL 60559. Both are open Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM, and Saturday and Sunday, 9 AM to 5 PM. Call (630) 324-6825, or check in online before you arrive.
We accept most major plans, including Blue Cross Blue Shield (PPO), BCBS Advocate Good Samaritan (HMO), Cigna, Humana, UnitedHealthcare, Medicare, Meridian and CountyCare. Coverage varies, so please call to confirm your plan. Read more on our cost and insurance page.
No insurance? Self-pay patients get flat, upfront pricing, with a general visit from $125. Ask about the price of any tests before they are done. See self-pay urgent care pricing.
Yes. It spreads through close contact and shared items like towels. Covering sores and washing hands helps prevent spread.
The CDC says children can return once they have started antibiotic treatment and the sores are covered. Your school may have its own rules.
Usually not. The CDC and MedlinePlus note that sores typically heal without scarring.
Yes. It is most common in young children, but adults can get it too, especially after a cut, scrape or insect bite.
Sources: CDC: Impetigo, MedlinePlus: Impetigo.
Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday – Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
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