Can acyclovir be used for impetigo?

No, acyclovir is an antiviral medication used to treat infections caused by the herpes virus, such as cold sores, genital herpes, and chickenpox. Impetigo is a contagious bacterial skin infection caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. Acyclovir is not effective against these bacteria and therefore should not be used for impetigo. Antibiotics such as mupirocin, fusidic acid, or oral antibiotics like cephalexin or erythromycin are the preferred treatment options for impetigo.