Treatment of Widespread Non-Bullous Impetigo in Patients Not Systemically Unwell and Not at High Risk of Complications
When non-bullous impetigo is widespread but the patient remains well and carries no elevated complication risk, a short antibiotic course is the recommended next step. This protocol defines the appropriate treatment choice for this specific presentation.
Clinical Scenario
Widespread non-bullous impetigo in a patient who is not systemically unwell and not at high risk of complications. These are the conditions under which antibiotic therapy is indicated.
Treatment Approach (Overview)
A short antibiotic course is recommended — delivered either topically or orally depending on the clinical picture. The specific agent, route, and any allergy-based alternatives are detailed in the full protocol.
Treatment Goal
Cure or clear improvement of non-bullous impetigo by the end of the treatment course.
References
- Offer a short course of a topical or oral antibiotic for people with widespread non-bullous impetigo who are not systemically unwell or at high risk of complications (see recommendations on choice of antimicrobial).
- A 5-day course is usually appropriate but can be increased to 7 days based on clinical judgement, depending on the severity and number of lesions.