recurring impetigo

I've had a long period of recurring impetigo, which first started when I met my girlfriend, about a year ago.  Antibiotics clear it up for a time, but it always comes back.  I've occasionally seen what looks like the same crusts in the corners of my girlfriends eyes, but this is rare.  Could it be that she is carrying the bug, but is not prone to getting infection, and is passing the bug onto me, thus giving me the infection?

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

I am very skeptical of the diagnosis, Mike.  When people get "impetigo" over and over again, it may be something else entirely, such as atopic dermatitis (eczema) or even herpes cold sores.  I suggest that you see a dermatologist (or see one again) tom reconsider the diagnosis.  While in theory impetigo can recur, it more or less never actually does.  Remember that things which scab and crust may be inflamed but not necessarily infected.

Good luck.

Dr. Rockoff