Can Complications Occur?
Impetigo, like any other infection, has the potential to spread to other areas of the body if left untreated. Although complications are more common in adults, they are fortunately quite rare, with only a small percentage of cases worldwide resulting in serious issues. Some potential secondary conditions that may arise include cellulitis, an infection that affects the tissues beneath the skin, and sepsis, a critical condition in which the bloodstream becomes infected. In extremely rare cases, individuals with impetigo may develop a condition called post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, which leads to inflammation of the blood vessels in the kidneys. It is crucial to seek medical treatment at the first sign of symptoms to minimize the risk of complications.