Impetigo
What is impetigo?
It is an infection of the skin.
What does it look like?
It most often looks like golden crusted blisters or weeping sores on the skin.
Where does it occur?
It occurs mostly around the nose and mouth but can occur on any part of the body.
Is it contagious (“catchy”)?
It is contagious and can be spread to other parts of the body as well as to other persons.
How is it treated?
Your child’s physician will most often prescribe an antibiotic ointment or an antibiotic to be taken by mouth. More serious staph infections, especially those due to methicillin resitant staph aureus (MRSA) are treated differently. Ask your doctor about MRSA infections.
What can be done at home?
· Use a separate wash cloth, towel and linens.
· Bathe or shower your child daily and gently wash sores with soap and water.
When can my child go back to school?
A child with impetigo can most often go back to school after he has been treated for 1 day.
