I have a history of impetigo over the last 7 years. I always get it on my face. I am in the military so I am required to shave daily. I believe that the shaving is causing the infection, and makes it spread. The impetigo is only ever in the shaving region on my face, not nose, eyes etc. I have found a great deal of success using dial anti-bacterial soap as a pre wash, and i use it as shaving cream as well(lather up the face with the soap). I always use a new disposable razor, and I apply alcohol to my face after I'm done shaving. With each time I get it I've been able to narrow down the reason, and I attempt to start treatment early. i have a great deal of success using Augmentin(amox with k clav). So after that long drawn out beginning my question is this, how long does it take augmentin to start working I.E. serve its purpose of stopping the growth of bacteria ?