Amy, 24, tried to mask the swollen, bruised left cheek with make-up as she moved into a new home in East London earlier this week - but last night, a close pal of the ‘Rehab’ star, confirmed the health scare, and the emergency doctor’s appointment.
“She has suffered some form of skin infection—maybe an allergic reaction,” said the pal.
However, one medical expert, disagreed, saying: “I think the most likely explanation is a direct blow, either accidental or deliberate. A skin complaint wouldn’t cause swelling.
“It could be she’s walked into a door or fallen over—which is very likely with her drug habit.”
Amy’s rep added: “Amy has been diagnosed with impetigo - which she has been told can be highly contagious. Because of that she’s been put on antibiotics and may have to stay home alone for the next few days.”
Impetigo is an infection of the skin caused by a bacteria which causes a blistered crusty rash. But it does not cause swelling.
Meanwhile, the singer - whose husband Blake Fielder-Civil is currently locked up in London’s Pentonville prison on assault and conspiracy charges - is being ordered by record bosses to go back to rehab.
Amy - who had a brief stay at a private London rehab clinic last month, is reportedly having a meeting with Universal managers on Monday afternoon—when they will tell her she has to get further treatment - and this time stick to it.
Amy checked into rehab after she was exposed on film smoking what appeared to be a crack pipe. But she checked out just two weeks later to perform via satellite-link at the Grammy Awards, where she scooped five gongs.
Since then - friends fear she is back on drugs.
The source added to Britain’s News of The World newspaper: “All the optimism after the Grammys has gone. Amy is sliding towards oblivion.”
