What is impetigo?

Impetigo spreads through scratching the itchy spots. Long standing infection can leave scars behind.
Impetigo is a common, highly infectious skin disease caused by staphylococcus bacteria or more rarely by the streptococcus bacteria.

Is impetigo dangerous?

It first appears as a small scratch or itchy patch of eczema - skin inflammation - on seemingly healthy skin.
A small red, itchy spot quickly develops into a blister containing a yellow substance. Later, the top of the blister becomes crusty and weeps while new blisters develop in the same place or on other parts of the body. Impetigo usually begins on the face, especially around the corners of the mouth, the nose and back of the ears.

Who is in danger of infection?

Children and adolescents suffering from eczema (atopic dermatitis) are especially likely to develop impetigo. Thorough skincare is important to prevent infection.

How is impetigo treated?

If you suspect impetigo, contact your GP as treatment should take place preferably before the child infects other children.
The treatment involves washing with soap and water and letting the impetigo dry in the air. Many GPs choose to treat impetigo with bactericidal ointment but in more severe cases antibiotics are necessary. It is important to dissolve the scabs with ointment because the bacteria that cause the disease live underneath them

When can my child begin to mix again with other children?

A pre-school child should not return to nursery school or play-group until the scabs have fallen off and he or she are no longer contagious. Small children will touch and scratch their scabs and therefore run the risk of infection. School children can normally return to their classes after one week from the start of treatment even with scabs as long as they remember not to scratch or touch them. Above all, they must remember to wash their hands regularly and only use their own comb, brush, facecloth or towel.

Good advice

Cut your child’s nails short and encourage them not to scratch their scabs, pick their nose, bite their nails or suck their fingers.

• If your child already has eczema seek advice and effective treatment
• Always remember to wash your hands after having touched your own or your child’s scabs
• Teach your child to wash his or her hands regularly and always give them their own facecloth and towel
• Explain to your child why they need to pay special attention to hygiene and avoid touching their scabs

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