Impetigo

Impetigo is a highly contagious skin infection caused by bacteria. It can occur at any age, but mainly affects children between the ages of 4 and 8. It is spread through skin contact with an infected person or contaminated objects.

If you think your child might have impetigo, it's a good idea to see a doctor to make sure. He or she will be able to advise whether your child should be kept at home to prevent the infection spreading to other children, and when they can return to nursery or school.

Symptoms of impetigo

• A rash that may be blistered and red with a yellowish crust.
• It is usually on the face, nose and forearms, but can be anywhere on the skin.
• The rash is usually itchy and can be painful.
• It can sometimes cause a fever.

Treating impetigo

To treat impetigo, check and clean the sores every day. Soak the lesions or apply a wet compress with lukewarm water for a few minutes.

Gently pat dry the area, then apply a thin layer of Crystaderm^® to the sores before covering with a dressing. Continue treatment two or three times a day until all the sores are healed. Contagion persists as long as the lesions are oozing, and generally ceases 48 hours after starting treatment.

Helpful tips

• Wash your hands with soap and dry them thoroughly before and after touching the rash.
• Try not to let your child scratch at the sores.
• Cut your child's fingernails so that if they do scratch, less damage will be done.
• Wash your child's hands regularly to stop the infection spreading to other areas.
• Avoid sharing the same towels, washcloths and soap used by the impetigo-infected child with other family members.
• Wash towels, washcloths, sheets and pillowcases with hot water and soap, and avoid mixing them with those of other family members.
• Wash toys with detergent and lukewarm water if your children suffer from impetigo.
• Keep cuts, scratches and insect bites clean - for example, by washing them with warm water and soap.