Impetigo is a skin infection caused by bacteria, usually Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. These bacteria can infect the skin through close contact with an infected person or by sharing contaminated items such as towels or bed linen. Impetigo is highly contagious and most common in young children, but it can affect people of all ages. The infection typically appears as reddish sores that burst and develop honey-colored crusts. Treatment with antibiotics can limit the spread of impetigo to others
. The most common cause of impetigo is bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus, and another bacteria source is group A streptococcus. Impetigo occurs when the immune system doesn't fight off an infection from these bacteria, which can be easily transmitted through close contact or contaminated items
