Impetigo is a skin infection that occurs
most commonly in children and babies. Because impetigo primarily affects
school-aged children, it’s often called school sores. Most cases of impetigo
occur during warmer weather.
What causes impetigo?
Impetigo is caused by Staphylococcus
or Streptococcus
bacteria which sometimes live on the skin. When a child has a cut or
sore, the bacteria can get down into the deeper layers of skin and cause an
infection. Impetigo is highly contagious.
Is impetigo serious?
Impetigo is generally not serious and
clears up on its own in two to three weeks. But, if large areas of skin become
infected, impetigo can become severe. Severe impetigo can cause the sores to
abscess. Impetigo can be dangerous for newborns.
Can I prevent impetigo?
Impetigo is best prevented through
thorough and frequent hand
washing. If your child has impetigo, you can help prevent the spread
to other children by keeping her away from others until she is no longer
contagious – about a day or two after she begins antibiotic treatment. Keep her
sores clean and covered. Your child can get impetigo from other children or
from sharing toys with infected children.
How Do I know if my child has
impetigo?
The incubation period for impetigo is
about four days. In addition to a general feeling of being unwell, your child
may have the following symptoms:
·
Itchy, red patches on the skin
·
Blisters around the nose and mouth
·
More serious infections may cause fever
and swollen glands.
· Once
the blisters form, they pop and discharge a sticky, yellow fluid. Once the
blisters crust over and dry out, the skin will heal completely in a few days.
How do I treat impetigo?
Wash your
child’s sores four times a day with an antibiotic soap and pat the sores dry.
Cover the sores with a waterproof dressing. Your doctor may prescribe an
antibiotic cream or ointment for you to use. Use paracetamol for fever.
Should I call the doctor?
Call the
doctor if your baby shows signs of impetigo. Because of her reduced immunity,
infections may be difficult to control and may need to be treated. You should
also call the doctor if your child does not appear to be getting better or if
her impetigo spreads or is getting worse even with antibiotic treatment.
What you need to know about impetigo
§
Impetigo is caused by Staphylococcus or
Streptococcus bacteria.
§
Impetigo is often called “school sores”
because many school age children catch it.
§
Impetigo is highly contagious.
§
Impetigo can be treated with
antibiotics.
Find more relevant articles and information about impetigo
·
Find out more
about bacterial infections
·
Learn more about
staph infections
·
Learn more about
streptococcal infections
·
Learn more about
chicken pox
·
Read how to
teach your child good hygiene practices
