Impetigo vs Eczema

How to tell the difference — key features compared side by side.

Feature
Impetigo
Eczema
Category
Common
Common
Key feature
Highly contagious bacterial skin infection in children. Causes honey-colored crusted sores that spread by touch.
Red, itchy, inflamed skin - the most common chronic skin condition in children. Part of the atopic triad with asthma and hay fever.
Risk factors
Childhood (ages 2-5 most common); Warm, humid climate; Crowded living conditions (daycare, schools)
Family history of eczema, asthma, or hay fever; Filaggrin gene mutations (skin barrier dysfunction); Living in dry or cold climates
Action needed
Honey-colored crusted sores, especially in a child
Eczema not controlled with regular moisturizing and over-the-counter hydrocortisone

Impetigo

Impetigo is a common, highly contagious bacterial skin infection most frequently seen in children aged 2-5 years. It is caused primarily by Staphylococcus aureus and less commonly by group A Streptococcus.

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Eczema

Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition causing red, itchy, dry, and sometimes weeping or crusting patches. It is the most common chronic skin disease in children, affecting up to 20% of children and 3% of adults worldwide.

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Does yours look more like impetigo?

Quick self-check

Does this look like impetigo? Answer 2 questions.

Are there sores with a golden-yellow (honey-colored) crust?

Is it in a child and spreading to new areas?

Still not sure?

Our full ABCDE checker evaluates 5 clinical criteria dermatologists use.

Full ABCDE check →