How long does impetigo take to clear up?

[Shootingstar2289]

Hi, my son is five and was prescribed antibiotic cream for impetigo on Sunday. We've been applying it four times a day (as recommended). It hasn't spread (only a minor case of 3 small crusty spots anyway) but hasn't seemed to get better!

How long should it take? The out of hours doctor told me that I should take him to my GP for oral antibiotics if it doesn't get any better in a day or two..

[LONC2012]

I currently have impetigo - blisters on my neck and swollen glands - so painful so I really feel for your little one!

I went to OOH on Saturday and was given antibiotics she said to go back on Monday if it wasn't any better. On Monday it was twice as bad so she has now prescribed stronger antibiotics and said if no better in 48 hours to go back again.

No idea where I got it from but so anxious it's going to spread to my little boys!

Hope your little one is better soon!

[Shootingstar2289]

Thank you LONC2012. Touch wood, my son hasn't passed it onto my one year, myself or my partner.

My sons hasn't spread since starting treatment but doesn't seem to be clearing up as well as the doctor implied it would be after a day or two!

I hope you feel better soon too!

[neolara]

Depends. My dd had it for about 6 months. Was grim. Should go in about a week or two with the right antibiotics..