Impetigo

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When to see the doctor

Go to the doctor if: 

• the sore is surrounded by an area of red skin
• your child is also generally unwell or has a fever
• you suspect your child has school sores.

What causes it?

The surface layers of the sore are infected with a germ (either Group A Streptococcus or Staphylococcus aureus bacteria). Because the skin is broken, it cannot serve as a barrier against these germs and so they ‘feed’ on the wound.

What are the symptoms?

In the early stages all you may notice are blisters or red spots, on any part of your child’s body, although they are especially common around the face, hands and legs. These spots may become pus-filled and scab over as they spread. The scabs are usually yellow-green in colour, and soon increase in number and size.

Is there a test?

If treatment is not progressing well, your doctor may suggest a swab (or brushing) of the affected area, so that the laboratory can identify both the germ and the antibiotic which will be effective against it.

How is it treated?

The mainstay of treatment is a course of antibiotics taken by mouth. Your doctor may also prescribe an antibiotic ointment to be used two or three times a day. In between applications of the ointment, wash the skin gently with soap or an antibacterial solution, and pat dry.

How can I prevent it?

Impetigo can spread rapidly to other parts of the body, merely from your child touching the sore and then scratching elsewhere. Try to explain this to your child, and encourage them not to pick at sores. Keep fingernails short and wash your child’s hands frequently, until the infection has well and truly cleared up.

Impetigo is also highly contagious, and your child should be kept home until the sores have dried out. Keep a separate towel for the exclusive use of the child who has impetigo, and wash all linen thoroughly if stained with blood or pus from the sores. Make sure that any bites, cuts, grazes or areas of eczema are washed carefully and kept clean, as these can be points of entry for germs that cause impetigo.

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