Impetigo
What is it?
Impetigo is a superficial bacterial infection of the skin caused by the Streptococcus or Staphylococcus germs. It can affect adults, but most often affects children. It is more common in the summer when the skin is broken by cuts, scrapes, or insect bites. These bites or cuts get infected, and then the infection is spread by the person scratching the infected sores and then scratching other areas of the body. The sores typically start out as blisters, which rupture and then drain a thick, golden-yellow discharge that dries, crusts, and sticks to the skin.
How is it spread?
Impetigo is very contagious. You are exposed to the bacteria that cause impetigo when you come into contact with discharge from the sores of someone who is infected or with items they have touched, such as clothing, bed linen, towels, utensils, and toys.
When is it contagious?
Impetigo is highly contagious while the infection is active.
How is it diagnosed and treated?
Children with suspected impetigo should see a doctor. Impetigo is usually diagnosed by the distinctive appearance of the sores and the medical history. It is treated by applying a prescription antibiotic ointment directly to the sores for about a week. Sometimes, oral antibiotics may be required. Avoid scratching or touching the sores as much as possible while they heal. With proper treatment, the skin should be completely healed in 10 days. Without antibiotics, it may clear up on its own in a few weeks, but there is a greater risk of developing complications.
Should the child stay home?
Impetigo is very contagious. If the sores cannot be completely covered by a dressing, your child should stay home. If the child is receiving antibiotics, they can usually return to school in about 24 hours because the sores begin healing and no longer have a discharge.
Complications? Call your doctor if:
- Urine becomes red or cola-colored.
- Any large, painful blisters develop.
- The impetigo is not improving after 48 hours of treatment.
- A fever, sore throat, or joint pain occurs.
- You have other concerns or questions.
How can we limit the spread?
- Make sure that children and adults practice frequent hand-washing with good technique.
- Treat cuts, scrapes, insect bites, and other wounds right away by washing the affected areas with mild soap and running water.
- Keep your child’s fingernails short.
- Cover broken skin where possible.
- Wash the infected child’s clothes and linens at least once per day and do not share them with others.
- Wear gloves when applying antibiotic ointment and wash your hands afterwards.
- Clean and disinfect toys and surfaces with an EPA-registered disinfectant approved for Streptococcus and Staphylococcus bacteria.