Impetigo

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In short

Impetigo is a skin infection that's very contagious.

What it is1

Impetigo starts with red sores or blisters, but the redness may be harder to see on brown and black skin.
NHS website
The sores or blisters quickly burst and often leave crusty, golden-brown patches.
NHS website
The sores and blisters of impetigo commonly affect the face (around the nose and mouth) and hands.
NHS website
Impetigo can be easily spread to other parts of your body or to other people through skin-to-skin contact.
NHS website
Impetigo stops being contagious 48 hours after you start using hydrogen peroxide cream or antibiotics prescribed by a pharmacist or health care provider.
NHS website
You can get it if you have a minor injury like a cut, scratch or insect bite, or a skin condition.
NHS website

A pharmacist or health care provider will check if your symptoms are caused by a more serious skin infection, like cellulitis.
NHS website
If it is impetigo, treatment may be hydrogen peroxide cream; antibiotic cream or tablets.
NHS website
Do not stop using cream or taking antibiotic tablets early, even if the impetigo starts to clear up.
NHS website
While impetigo is still contagious: stay away from work, school or nursery until no longer contagious; wash affected areas with soap and water and dry them thoroughly; wash your hands frequently, particularly before and after using antibiotic cream; wash washcloths, towels, sheets and pillowcases at a high temperature; wash toys with detergent and warm water if your children have impetigo.
NHS website

While impetigo is still contagious: do not touch or scratch sores, blisters or crusty patches – this also helps stop scarring; do not have close contact with children or people with diabetes or a weakened immune system (if they're having chemotherapy, for example); do not share washcloths, towels, sheets or pillowcases; do not prepare food for other people if you have impetigo; do not go to the gym or play contact sports like football.
NHS website

Impetigo spreads easily, so the office may suggest a phone call first.
NHS website

These pages describe what the sources say. They cannot say what is going on with your skin.

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