“Dad, my face is itchy and I’ve got sores around my mouth.” 

What could it be?

Impetigo, often called ‘school sores’, is a highly contagious skin infection.  It is easily passed on to family and friends, and spreads to other parts of the body. 

Impetigo thrives in warm, humid weather (summer) and crowded conditions. It is common in children and infants, and is more likely when children start attending childcare, kindergarten or school. 

Impetigo looks unsightly, but it isn’t dangerous and doesn’t cause lasting damage to the skin. 

Cause

School sores are caused by two different bacteria that make their way into the skin through a scratched insect bite, cold sore, eczema, boil, graze, scrape or cut. Children with low resistance or sensitive skin may have an increased risk of infection. 

They can occur anywhere on the body, but are commonly found around the mouth and nose. 

Impetigo can be serious in newborn infants where it can spread rapidly. 

Signs and symptoms

After a short incubation period, school sores develop.

 The infection is characterised by inflamed blisters that pop, weep and form crusts which can itch. 

The infection can spread rapidly from the edges to form new patches. 

Your child may also feel unwell or develop a fever and swollen lymph nodes.

 

How do I manage school sores?  The extent and severity of the infection are key factors in determining the best way to manage your child’s school sores.  With appropriate treatment, it usually gets better within 5 days. 

Visit your doctor and discuss the suitability of the range of treatment options.  These may include:

• Techniques and solutions (such as a salt water) for soaking and bathing blisters
• An antibiotic cream or antiseptic soap
• Oral antibiotics to help treat the infection
• Applying a waterproof dressing to stop the spread of infection 

Helpful tips

Prevent the spread of infection to other family members and parts of the body:

• Wash the bed linen, towels and clothes separately
• Do not share toiletries, towels or similar items
• Encourage washing hands frequently
• Keep fingernails short and clean
• Refrain from unnecessary contact with sores
• Promptly throw away used dressings
• Use antibacterial soaps
• Always follow the prescribed treatment instructions carefully
• Apply a dry dressing to help stop scratching
• Do not send an infected child back to childcare, kindergarten or school until appropriate treatment has commenced.
• Keep the infected person well away from young babies.

This article is a guide only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health provider because of something you have read. We do not endorse any specific product, service or treatment.

© Copyright: Ceutica Medical Communications, Australia, 2010. All rights reserved.  This article has been prepared by Ceutica Medical Communications Pty Ltd. for the YummyBubby Website and every care has been taken in its compilation. The article summary review, suggestions and tips are intended to be used as a guide only. Ceutica Medical Communications Pty Ltd., YummyBubby and the compilers of this article shall not be liable to users nor to any other person, firm, company or other body for any loss, direct, indirect or consequential, on whatsoever account for any omission or negligent mis-statement contained herein, or by reason of, arising from or in relation to any such user, by any other person, company or body relying or acting upon or purporting to rely or act upon any matter contained therein or arising thereout.