Impetigo - Infected Sores

Symptoms

Sores smaller than 1 inch (2.5 cm)
Often covered by a soft, yellow-brown scab or crust
Scabs may drain pus or yellow fluid off and on
Starts as small red bumps. These change quickly to cloudy blisters or pimples. Then, they become open sores which drain fluid or pus.
Sores increase in size
Any sore or wound that grows and doesn't heal is usually impetigo.

Cause

A skin infection caused by a bacteria. It starts in a small break in the skin. Examples are a scratch or insect bite.
The most common bacteria are Staph and Strep.
Impetigo often spreads and increases in number from scratching.

Prevention of Spread to Others

Overview:

Impetigo is a bacterial skin infection. Most often, it starts in a scratch or insect bite.
It usually responds to treatment with any antibiotic ointment.
Sometimes an oral antibiotic is needed.
Here is some care advice that should help.

Remove Scabs:

Soak off the scab using soap and warm water. The bacteria live underneath the scab.

Antibiotic Ointment:

Put an antibiotic ointment on the sores. Do this 3 times per day.
Examples are Bacitracin or Polysporin. No prescription is needed. You also can use one you already have.
Cover it with a Band-Aid to prevent scratching and spread.
Repeat the washing, ointment and Band-Aid 3 times per day.

Antibiotic by Mouth:

Do Not Pick at the Sores:

Help your child not to scratch and pick at the sores. This spreads the impetigo.

What to Expect:

Return to School:

Impetigo is spread to others by skin to skin contact.
Wash the hands often. Try not to touch the sores.
For mild impetigo (1 or 2 sores), can go to school if it is covered.
For severe impetigo, child needs to take an oral antibiotic for more than 24 hours. Then your child can go back to school.
Contact Sports. In general, needs to be on antibiotics for 3 days before returning to sports. There must be no pus or drainage. Check with the team's trainer if there is one.

Definition