Recurring Impetigo

In Feb. about 4 years ago, I broke out with impetigo on my chin.  At first I thought it was just a pimple, but it turned ugly pretty quickly.  Even with a topical antibiotic, it took about 2 weeks to go away.  Then a year ago in July, the same exact thing happened.  Today I woke up with another red bump on my chin that looks like it is going to erupt into impetigo again.  Does this lie dormant in my system and come out  randomly?  Is there a way to prevent this from happening??

Thank you!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Impetigo is a highly contagious superficial bacterial skin infection. It is primarily caused by Staphylococcus aureus and sometimes by Streptococcus pyogenes. However from your symptoms folliculitis, cysts aand acne need to be ruled out.

Use a mild cleanser with moisturizing properties like Cetaphil. Also use cotton clothes and change the clothes twice if there is any increased sweating. Try keeping the skin free of sweat as far as possible. Also apply an antibiotic cream like Neosporin or Mupirocin on the bumps.

If the symptoms persist then please consult a dermatologist and get it examined.
I hope it helps. Take care and regards.