Impetigo (School sores)
Impetigo is a highly contagious skin infection that mainly affects infants and young children. It’s often called school sores as it is common among school children. Impetigo appears as itchy sores or blisters on the skin. Usually, it’s not serious but it can be harmful to newborn babies.
Signs & symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis & treatments
Signs and symptoms of impetigo
Typical symptoms of impetigo include itchy, red skin that turns into blisters, usually around the nose and mouth. These sores break open and ooze a sticky, yellow fluid. Once they dry out they form a honey-coloured crust. Once the scab falls off, the skin heals completely and won’t usually leave a scar.
What causes impetigo?
Impetigo is caused by bacteria (Staphylococcus or Streptococcus). If bacteria finds its way into scratched or broken skin, it can cause an impetigo infection. Anyone can get impetigo but there are some risk factors which include:
age - it most commonly affects children aged 2-5 years
having other health conditions such as eczema, diabetes or a weakened immune system
having broken skin
having close contact with someone infected
warm, humid weather
Is impetigo infectious?
Yes. Sores usually appear between one and three days after being exposed to the infection. Impetigo is contagious while fluid weeps from the sores. It can spread to anyone who touches infected skin or items that have been in contact with infected skin, such as toys, clothing, towels, and bedding.
The infectious period is over once the sores have scabbed up, or 24 hours after beginning antibiotic treatment. During the infectious period, children should be kept home from school or day care.
How is impetigo diagnosed?
Impetigo is usually diagnosed via a physical examination by a doctor. They may also take a swab of the sores to test for bacteria to confirm the diagnosis.
How do you treat impetigo sores?
Treatment for impetigo usually involves prescription antibiotic cream or ointment which is applied to the sores until they heal. In some cases, antibiotic tablets or syrup may be prescribed. It’s important to finish the full course of treatment, even if the sores are healing.
You can also treat impetigo sores at home:
Wash sores with salty water (1 teaspoon per cup of hot water – be sure to let cool) two to three times a day. You can use a wet towel or cotton ball. Be sure to wash the towel or discard cotton ball immediately to avoid spreading the infection.
Gently pat sores with a clean towel before applying antibiotic cream.
Cover sores with waterproof dressings to stop the infection from spreading.
Wash your child’s towels, sheets, face washer, clothes and pyjamas daily while the infection is present.
Complications of impetigo
When treated promptly, impetigo rarely leads to complications. However, some include:
scarring of the skin
cellulitis — a potentially life-threatening infection that affects the tissues under the skin and can spread to lymph nodes and the bloodstream
kidney damage
When should you see your doctor?
If your child has signs of impetigo you should see your doctor. Symptoms can be similar to other conditions such as dermatitis or insect bites, so it’s important to get the right treatment.
You should also see your doctor if:
sores get worse or spread further despite treatment
your child develops a fever
your child has swollen lymph glands
the rash becomes red, warm or tender to the touch
your child becomes generally unwell.
How to prevent impetigo
To prevent spreading the impetigo infection to others you should:
keep children home until the infectious period has passed
avoid touching the sores
throw all dressings in the bin straight away when you take them off
wash your hands thoroughly and regularly, especially after changing dressings and applying cream to sores
avoid sharing facecloths, towels and bedding, or anything else that comes in contact with the skin
encourage your child not to scratch their sores
wash all household linen in hot water while the infection is present
Your local MediADVICE pharmacist is available to help you manage your health and that of your family. We can provide advice on products that can assist with impetigo and help you fill your prescriptions. We can also refer you to a doctor if necessary.
Visit your nearest pharmacy