Impetigo

The skin disorder impetigo is not a life threatening disease nor is it dangerous; however it is a condition that is very highly infectious. Impetigo is caused by staphylococcus bacteria or more rarely by the streptococcus bacteria. Recognizable signs of impetigo are that of small itchy patches of eczema, skin inflammation on seemingly healthy skin. Tiny reddened itchy pimply spots can rapidly turn into blisters filled with yellow pus.

These blisters crust and weep after a while and in the meantime fresh blisters grow; they can be in the same place or on other body parts. Impetigo usually starts to appear on the face, especially around the edges of the mouth, (like cold sores) the nose and back of the ears.

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Teenagers and young children who suffer from the skin disorder eczema are more likely to develop impetigo. Impetigo will not go away by itself and will need treating by your doctor. It will need to be treated sooner than later because of its infectious qualities.

Treatments for impetigo prescribed are normally bactericidal creams/ointments, like fusidic acid (fusidin) or mupirocin (Bactroban) however depending on severity of the disease it may require consumption of oral antibiotics i.e. flucloxacillin (Floxapen) or erythromycin.

It is important to soften scabbed areas with the bactericidal ointment. Bacteria can still cause the disease to breathe beneath the scabs.

If you have a child infected with impetigo they should not return to school or playgroup until the scabs have dropped off and they have been given the all clear by the doctor that the disease is no longer contagious. Explain to the child that they are not to scratch the infected area if possible in case of causing infection.

Have the child wash their hands regularly and only use their own comb, hair brush and face flannel. Pop in and speak to the teacher before the child arrives at school and detail out all there is know about impetigo. Teachers are trained to be cautious so therefore will need to protect others. If the skin disorder has not been cured then it can result in the child having to be removed from class, so to save any embarrassment make sure the teacher knows all they need to know for peace of mind.

Cut your child’s nails short and encourage them not to scratch their scabs, this maybe difficult depending on the infants age, but it is in their best interest to keep a watchful eye over them until they are in the clear if possible.