What is Bullous Impetigo?
Bullous impetigo is a highly contagious bacterial skin infection characterized by large, fluid-filled blisters (called bullae) that can rupture and leave raw, red skin behind. It primarily affects infants and young children, but it can also occur in adults especially those with weakened immune systems or existing skin conditions.
Unlike the more common non-bullous impetigo, which causes honey-colored crusts without blistering, bullous impetigo is caused specifically by toxin-producing strains of Staphylococcus aureus. These toxins damage the skin’s outer layer, allowing fluid to accumulate and form blisters.
What Causes Bullous Impetigo?
The infection is caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria that produce an exfoliative toxin. This toxin disrupts the proteins that help skin cells stick together, resulting in the separation of skin layers and formation of blisters.
You or your child can get bullous impetigo through:
- Direct contact with an infected person
- Touching contaminated surfaces, towels or clothing
- Scratching or breaking the skin, which allows bacteria to enter
It’s especially common in warm, humid environments and can spread quickly in daycare centers, schools or households.
Symptoms: What Does It Look Like?
Bullous impetigo typically begins as small red spots that quickly evolve into:
- Large, fragile blisters filled with clear or yellowish fluid
- Blisters that burst easily, leaving behind shiny, red, raw-looking skin
- Minimal redness or swelling around the lesions (unlike other infections)
- Mild itching or discomfort
- Occasional fever or swollen lymph nodes, especially in widespread cases
These blisters most often appear on the face (especially around the nose and mouth), trunk, arms, and buttocks but can also appear on legs.
We are independent prescribers able to prescribe any medication from the BNF relevant to the lower limb, foot and ankle.
Are you suffering from any hand or foot condition? At The Chelsea Clinic, we can help. One of our podiatrists can assist and then recommend what treatments are best to get you back on track. Podiatrist South Kensington
Schedule an appointment here or you may call us at +44 (0) 207 101 4000.
We hope you have a feetastic day!
-The Chelsea Clinic and Team
Book Here
Learn more about our blog Ingrown Toenails
