Diseases beginning with I
U.S.-focused summaries with current official guidance links. For a diagnosis, personal vaccine schedule, pregnancy advice, or urgent symptoms, speak with a qualified clinician.
Impetigo
No vaccine availableDisease
A contagious, superficial bacterial skin infection that is most common in young children but can affect anyone.
Symptoms
Small red bumps or blisters develop into pustules and then thick, golden or honey-colored crusts. Sores most often occur on the face, arms, or legs and may itch or feel mildly sore.
Typical duration
The incubation period for group A strep impetigo is about 10 days. With treatment, spread is reduced quickly and the skin usually heals over days to a few weeks.
How serious is it?
Most cases are limited to the skin, but infection can spread or rarely be followed by kidney inflammation. Rapidly expanding redness, fever, severe pain, swelling, or illness needs prompt medical assessment.
Treatment & management
A small number of lesions is often treated with a topical antibiotic; multiple lesions may require an oral antibiotic. The medicine should cover both group A strep and Staphylococcus aureus as directed by a clinician.
Vaccine: who and when?
No vaccine is currently available to prevent impetigo or group A strep infection in the United States.
Last reviewed against official U.S. sources: September 5, 2026. This page provides general education, not medical advice.