The bacteria can be spread easily through close contact with someone who has the infection, such as through direct physical contact, or by sharing towels or flannels.
As the condition doesn’t cause any symptoms until 4 to 10 days after initial exposure to the bacteria, it’s often easily spread to others unintentionally.
Children and people with diabetes or a weakened immune system – either due to a condition such as HIV or a treatment such as chemotherapy – are most at risk of developing impetigo.
