Impetigo (School Sores)

Impetigo is a highly contagious bacterial skin infection which, if untreated, could lead to a serious illness such as kidney infection.

TRANSMISSION – The bacteria are spread from one infected person to another through a break in the skin, such as a cut, scratch or a bite.

SYMPTOMS – Impetigo usually starts as a little blister that turns into a sore. There may be one or more sores and these may spread to other areas of the body.  The sores are generally red around a dry honey-brown crusted centre.  Sometimes the sores contain pus and they may weep.  The sores don’t heal naturally and it is important to see a doctor for treatment.

MANAGEMENT – If symptoms develop the person should be kept home from preschool or school.

The child (and any person handling the infected child) should:

• Wash and dry hands after going to the toilet and before preparing and/or eating food.
• Keep fingernails cut short and be discouraged from touching the sores.
• Have individual towels and face cloths.
• Keep the sores covered with a dry dressing.  The dressing should be changed twice a day.
• Any person with a skin infection must not swim or play contact sport until the sores are healed.

TREATMENT – A course of oral antibiotics will probably be prescribed.  Sometimes an antibiotic ointment will also be prescribed.

FOR TREATMENT THE PERSON NEEDS TO SEE A DOCTOR

Children should be excluded from preschool or school until 24 hours after treatment has begun.