It has been reported that some patients have been misdiagnosed with Cold Sores, when in fact the correct diagnosis in their specific case was Impetigo.
Impetigo is a highly contagious skin infection that commonly affects infants and young children. It forms red sores around the nose, mouth, hands and feet. After a week the sores burst and develops paler coloured crusts. It is caused by a bacterial infection from staphylococci organisms. Dermatological conditions are difficult to diagnose and impetigo can be misdiagnosed as scabies, allergic reaction skin rashes like poison ivy, ring worm or chicken pox.