Everyone in the household should follow the same sanitary regimen. Wash regularly with soap and water. This should help clear up mild forms of the infection. If this doesn't help, see your doctor. You may need a prescription medication. Topical mupirocin ointment, available only by prescription, treats mild forms of the infection. Don't try over-the-counter ointments; they are too weak to kill the infection, and applying the ointment carelessly may spread the impetigo. If you have a severe infection, you may need oral antibiotics.