Streptomyces species are not directly used as a treatment for impetigo, but their importance in the management of this condition is well established through their role as the original source of several key antibiotics. Impetigo is a superficial bacterial skin infection most commonly caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. The mainstay of impetigo treatment involves topical and systemic antibiotics.

Notably, Streptomyces is the genus from which several clinically important antibiotics are derived. Neomycin, bacitracin (sometimes produced by Bacillus), and erythromycin are examples—erythromycin being particularly relevant, as it is sometimes used systemically or in topical formulations for skin infections, including impetigo, especially when patients are allergic to penicillins. The discovery of these antibiotics is supported by extensive laboratory, clinical, and epidemiological studies dating back to the mid-20th century, validating their antibacterial activity against the pathogens responsible for impetigo.

Importantly, while extracts or live cultures of Streptomyces are not directly applied to patients, the antibiotics purified from them have a clear, evidence-based role in therapy. Thus, the use of Streptomyces-derived compounds in the treatment of impetigo is scientifically justified, though the genus itself is not used in a traditional or raw form.