Impetigo is usually easy to diagnose based on your symptoms and by ruling out other skin conditions that have similar symptoms to yours. In some cases, further testing may be needed.
Some skin conditions with similar symptoms to impetigo are listed below.
- Cellulitis: a bacterial infection of the deep layers of skin and tissue that lie underneath the skin.
- Erysipelas: a bacterial skin infection that usually affects the face or limbs.
- Herpes simplex virus: a highly contagious virus, also known as the "cold sore virus", which can cause cold sores on the mouth and the genitals.
- Scabies: a contagious skin condition that causes intense itching.
- Ecthyma: a bacterial infection that affects the deep layers of the skin.
- Candidiasis: a fungal infection that causes redness of the skin and is common in areas such as the groin, under the arms, between the fingers and between skin folds.
- Dermatophytosis: a skin infection with symptoms that can include red, scaly areas.
- Chickenpox: a highly infectious condition that causes an itchy rash that blisters and crusts over.
- Shingles: an infection of a nerve and the area of skin around it. Symptoms of shingles include tingling, pain and a blotchy red rash along one side of the body.
Other conditions that impetigo might be confused with impetigo include atopic eczema, contact dermatitis and insect bites. The symptoms of impetigo are also sometimes similar to those of burns and scalds.
Further testing
Further tests for impetigo are usually only required in cases where the infection:
- is severe or widespread
- does not respond to treatment
- keeps recurring (coming back)
In the above circumstances, a small area of affected skin will be gently wiped with a swab (like a large cotton bud) for testing.
The tests will help to rule out or confirm other skin conditions that may be responsible for your symptoms.
Read more information about how impetigo is treated.
