In most cases, impetigo can be diagnosed based on a visual examination of the lesions and patient symptoms. A physician will perform a complete physical examination and compile a thorough medical history when trying to make a diagnosis. If a newborn is suspected of having the disease, a physician may refer the baby to the care of a neonatologist, a physician who specializes in the medical treatment of newborn infants.

In cases where diagnosis is unclear after examination, a physician may perform a punch biopsy to obtain a sample of the lesion and/or fluid for microbiological analysis. In rare cases, a blood test may be performed to determine if the infection has spread to other parts of the body.

In mild cases of impetigo, the infection may clear up on its own in a few weeks. However, medications may be necessary to cure the infection, especially in severe cases where the lesions have spread. Physicians generally prescribe topical or oral antibiotics, or a combination of the two:

• Topical antibiotics (e.g., mupirocin ointment). In cases where a patient has a few isolated, superficial lesions with no other symptoms, physicians may prescribe a topical antibiotic ointment to be applied to the affected areas three to four times daily to help clear up the lesions.
  
  Topical antibiotics should be applied after washing the area with a mild soap or cleanser and patting it dry. Regular use of antibacterial soap is not recommended because it may create antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
  
  
• Oral antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin, dicloxacillin). Physicians usually prescribe oral antibiotics only for severe or recurrent cases of nonbullous impetigo and cases of ecthyma. The entire course of prescribed antibiotics should be taken, even if symptoms improve, to prevent recurrence or resistance of the bacteria to antibiotic treatment. Antibiotic treatment usually results in rapid clearing of all lesions.

Patients may also benefit from soaking the affected area in warm water for 15 to 20 minutes. This will help remove the scabs.

A physician should be contacted if the skin does not improve within three days of starting treatment. The development of fever and/or warmth or tenderness around the rash is also cause for concern.