NHS Choices Condition
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Non-bullous impetigo
The symptoms of non-bullous impetigo begin with the appearance of red sores; usually on the area around the nose and mouth. The sores quickly burst leaving thick, yellow-brown golden crusts. The crusts will then dry leaving a red mark that typically heals without scarring.
The sores are not painful, but they may be itchy. It is important not to touch, or scratch, the sores because this can spread the infection to other parts of your body, and to other people.
Other symptoms of infection such as fever and swollen glands are rare but they may occur in more severe cases.
Bullous impetigo
The symptoms of bullous impetigo begin with the appearance of fluid-filled blisters, usually on the trunk, the arms or legs. The blisters can quickly spread and then will burst after several days leaving a yellow crust, which will then heal without scarring.
The blisters are not painful but the area of skin around them may be itchy. Again, it is important not to touch or scratch affected areas of the skin.
Symptoms of fever and swollen glands are more common in bullous impetigo.
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