Impetigo, also known as “school sores,” is a skin infection characterized by red to purplish sores that rupture and scab over into golden-yellow crusts. It is highly contagious and most commonly spread among young children ages 2 to 5, hence the colloquial name. The infection spreads by direct contact and can be averted with handwashing and other hygiene measures, and is treated with topical or oral antibiotics; it is usually caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes or Staphylococcus aureus. Lesions typically occur on the face around the nose and mouth, but can also be found on the trunk and limbs. Sores may itch but pain is unusual; yellow crusts can be painful and cause underlying and surrounding skin to crack. In darker skin, crusts may have a purplish cast, while in lighter skin they appear pink to red.