How long is impetigo contagious for?

I was diagnosed with impetigo on my nose and a small patch between my mount and nose. I have been treating it with mupirocin for 2.5 days. The infected area appears to be decreasing (I am also washing with antibacterial soap and hydrogen peroxide three times per day).

At what point am I no longer a risk to transmit this to someone else? More specifically, at what point can I kiss my girlfriend and not worry about transmission?

I have read that after 48 hours of oral antibiotics one is not contagious, but can't seem to find anything about the topical antibiotics.

Thanks.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Impetigo is contagious until the rash has disappeared, or until it has been treated with antibiotics for two days. So since you are using antibiotics you are safe but still it is advisable to wait for the rash to disappear.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.