Impetigo - Infected Sores
Definition
- Coin-shaped sores on the skin
- Covered by scabs or crusts that are the color of honey
- Skin infection caused by a bacteria
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.
Return to School
- For mild impetigo (1 or 2 sores), can go back if sores are covered.
- For severe impetigo, child needs to take an oral antibiotic more than 24 hours. Then your child can go back to school.
When to Call Us for Impetigo - Infected Sores
Call Us Now (night or day) If
| Call Us During Weekday Office Hours If
| Parent Care at Home If
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CARE ADVICE FOR MILD IMPETIGO
What You Should Know:- Impetigo is a skin infection. Most often, it starts in a scratch or insect bite.
- It usually responds to treatment with any antibiotic ointment.
- Here is some care advice that should help.
- Soak off the scab using soap and warm water. The bacteria live underneath the scab.
- 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.
