impetigo - how quickly should it clear up

[pollingfold]

DS after sufferinf chicken pox now has horrid impetigo in his ear and from there across his check. Been to doc's and he's been on antibiotic syrup and cream for 4 days, but it doesn't seem to be getting any better. How long should it take (syrup runs out tomorrow)?

Does it scar - it is rather a massive area

DD2 had impetigo about 5 weeks ago - was given antibiotic cream and medicine. It didn't start to get better until the medicine was almost finished - I think it was about 7 days when I noticed it starting to dry out.

She still has a red patch (dry skin) where the infection was, and when she gets cold, it goes a lovely shade of purple!

Im no expert but it usually takes about two weeks to clear up completely and it shouldnt scar as long as its left alone. (how old is ds? need to stop him scratching if its itchy)

Is it still spreading, Pollingfold? If it is, then maybe you need another trip to the Dr. Ime, impetigo doesn't leave permanent scars, though as Slinky says, it can be purply for a while. Get well wishes to your ds.

Thanks all for responses

We went back to the doctors yesterday morning, and she looked in the ear and said " its still nasty in there" but because we can't get to it to put cream on it just seems to be getting worse. But she wouldn't give any more antibiotics. More spots are appearing on his face.....he has now been off nursery for nearly 3 weeks, and my holiday entitlement and my DH are wittling away fast.....

Hoping that it suddenly disappears over night!!

When my little one had impetigo I headed straight to A&E as it was over a weekend. He was started on Intravenous antibiotics and kept in for 3 days it cleared gradually over 2 weeks. I was told that it could come back but it never has (3 years ago)