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Reviewed by Dr John Pillinger, GP and Professor James Ferguson, consultant dermatologist
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What is impetigo?
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| Impetigo spreads through scratching theitchy spots that
indicate the condition. Long-standing infection can leave scars
behind. |
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Impetigo is a common, highly infectious skin disease caused by
staphylococcus bacteria or more rarely by the streptococcus
bacteria.
Is impetigo dangerous?
It isn't dangerous but it is an extremely contagious
illness.
What does impetigo look like?
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. Impetigo is easily spread through contact, so it is commonly
seen in nursery or playgroup settings.
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,
such as
fusidic acid
(Fucidin) or
mupirocin
(Bactroban), but in more severe cases oral antibiotics, such as
flucloxacillin (eg
Floxapen) or
erythromycin (eg
Erythrocin) 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 preschool child should not return to nursery school or
playgroup until the scabs have fallen off and he or she is no longer
contagious. Small children will touch and scratch their scabs and therefore run
the risk of infection.
Schoolchildren 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.
It is important that the school fully understands the nature of
impetigo, and that the presence of scabs does not necessarily mean that person
remains infectious.
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.
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If your child already has
eczema seek advice
and effective treatment.
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Always remember to wash your hands after having touched your
own or your child’s scabs.
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Teach your child to wash his or her hands regularly and always
give them their own facecloth and towel.
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Explain to your child why they need to pay special attention to
hygiene and avoid touching their scabs.
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Based on a text by Dr Per Grinsted, GP and Dr Vibeke Manniche, paediatrician
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Last updated 02.03.2005
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