What is a common symptom of impetigo?

A common symptom of impetigo is the presence of flat, yellow, crusty or weeping patches on the skin. This highly contagious bacterial infection primarily affects children and typically manifests around the face, especially around the nose and mouth, and can also appear on other parts of the body. The lesions often begin as small red spots that evolve into blisters, which then burst and form the characteristic crusted areas.

The appearance of these patches is a direct result of the infection affecting the skin's outer layer. They can be painful and may cause itching, leading affected individuals to scratch and potentially spread the infection further. Understanding this symptom is crucial for early detection and treatment, as timely intervention can help prevent the spread of impetigo to others and alleviate discomfort for the infected individual.