What increases my risk for impetigo?

You may have an increased risk for impetigo if you have a bug bite, scrape, poison ivy, or some other skin problem. Damaged skin makes you more vulnerable to infection with the bacteria that causes impetigo. Living in a household with a person who has impetigo increases your risk, too. Wash your hands regularly and avoid sharing bath towels with someone who has impetigo to lower your risk for developing this skin disorder.

The risk of impetigo increases when your immune system is developing or weakened, which is why children aged 2 to 6 are most likely to come down with the infection. Adults with pre-existing skin problems, namely dermatitis, are also at risk.

Impetigo is highly contagious, so other prime risk factors include the following:

• Being in close proximity to others
• Coming in contact with infected people
• Touching things that have been touched by infected people

The bacteria thrive in warm, moist, and unclean environments, so open wounds, moist and humid air, and poor hygiene also increase your chances of getting the infection.