Diseases and Conditions
Impetigo
Overview
Symptoms
Causes
Risk factors
Complications
Prevention
Diagnosis
Treatment
Lifestyle and home remedies
Preparing for an appointment
Complications
Impetigo typically isn't dangerous. And the sores in mild forms of the infection generally heal without scarring.
Rarely, complications of impetigo include:
- Cellulitis. This potentially life-threatening infection affects the tissues underlying the skin and eventually may spread to the lymph nodes and bloodstream.
- Kidney problems. One of the types of bacteria that cause impetigo can also damage the kidneys.
- Scarring. The sores associated with ecthyma can leave scars.