Impetigo is a common skin infection that mainly affects children. It can appear anywhere on the body but most often develops on the face, especially around the nose and mouth. Red, weepy sores develop; the sores then blister and burst, and dry out to form an itchy, honey-colored crust. Caused by bacterial infection, impetigo is highly contagious and is spread by touch. The bacteria are present in small numbers on healthy skin, but impetigo tends to develop when there are minor cuts or grazes that allow the bacteria to get under the skin.
Make an appointment to see your doctor to confirm impetigo. The doctor will probably prescribe antibiotics.
PRACTICAL TECHNIQUE
Washing infected areas Use the following procedure to soften and remove crusts and help the skin to heal, (If you are using an antibiotic ointment, do this before you apply the ointment).
* Soak the affected area by applying a clean face cloth soaked in warm water. Hold it over the skin for 1-2 minutes, being careful not to rub the rash. Pat the skin dry with a towel, Repeat this several times a day, washing your hands afterwards.
* Do not cover the blisters. They will heal better if you leave them exposed to the air.
Seek further medical advice if:
* The sores spread or enlarge
* The impetigo rash has not begun to clear within a few days
* Your child develops a fever or starts to pass red-or-brown-coloured urine.
What you can do yourself
Impetigo usually clears up promptly with antibiotic treatment, but the following measures will speed recovery and reduce the risk of the sores spreading.
* Wash the affected area carefully.
* Make sure your child has towels and face cloths for his or her own use. Change them daily and wash them in very hot water. Encourage your child to wash his or her hands frequently, drying them properly each time.
* Remind your child not to touch or pick the scabs or suck his or her fingers. Trim his or her nails to help prevent scratching.
* If your doctor prescribes an antibiotic drug or cream, make sure you give your child the complete course. Do not stop as soon as the impetigo appears to be better.
* Keep your child away from other children until there is no longer any crusting over the sores. Your child can then return to school or nursery.
Make an appointment to see your doctor to confirm impetigo. The doctor will probably prescribe antibiotics.
PRACTICAL TECHNIQUE
Washing infected areas Use the following procedure to soften and remove crusts and help the skin to heal, (If you are using an antibiotic ointment, do this before you apply the ointment).
* Soak the affected area by applying a clean face cloth soaked in warm water. Hold it over the skin for 1-2 minutes, being careful not to rub the rash. Pat the skin dry with a towel, Repeat this several times a day, washing your hands afterwards.
* Do not cover the blisters. They will heal better if you leave them exposed to the air.
Seek further medical advice if:
* The sores spread or enlarge
* The impetigo rash has not begun to clear within a few days
* Your child develops a fever or starts to pass red-or-brown-coloured urine.
What you can do yourself
Impetigo usually clears up promptly with antibiotic treatment, but the following measures will speed recovery and reduce the risk of the sores spreading.
* Wash the affected area carefully.
* Make sure your child has towels and face cloths for his or her own use. Change them daily and wash them in very hot water. Encourage your child to wash his or her hands frequently, drying them properly each time.
* Remind your child not to touch or pick the scabs or suck his or her fingers. Trim his or her nails to help prevent scratching.
* If your doctor prescribes an antibiotic drug or cream, make sure you give your child the complete course. Do not stop as soon as the impetigo appears to be better.
* Keep your child away from other children until there is no longer any crusting over the sores. Your child can then return to school or nursery.
