Summer illnesses: Impetigo

Although we often think of winter and fall as the times of year when children and adults are more likely to get sick, there are a number of infections that are more common during the summer.

Impetigo is a contagious rash caused by bacteria. There are two main types of bacteria that cause impetigo: streptococcal and staphylococcal. These bacteria enter the skin through small cuts or scratches and cause the infection. Impetigo can occur anywhere on the body, but is most common around the nose and mouth and on the forearms, hands, and diaper area.

There are two types of rash caused by impetigo. The most common form is non-bullous impetigo, also known as crusted impetigo or impetigo contagiosa. This form begins as tiny blisters. The blisters then pop, leaving red spots on the skin that may be wet or weep fluid. Later, a tan or honey colored crust will form over these areas.

The other type of impetigo is bullous impetigo. This form causes large blisters to form on the skin. The blisters will be clear at first and then may become cloudy. They are less likely to burst than the blisters in non-bullous impetigo.

Although impetigo may be unpleasant, it is usually not serious. There are rare complications so it is important to have your child’s health care provider evaluate your child if you think he or she has impetigo.

Impetigo is usually treated with topical antibiotics (applied to the affected area) or oral antibiotics (taken by mouth). Some doctors may choose not to prescribe antibiotics for mild infections. These will be treated by keeping the area clean and waiting for it to heal on its own.

Impetigo is contagious and is spread through contact with the affected skin of an infected person or through contact with bedding, towels, clothes, or other items that have come in contact with the skin of an affected person. An infected child can also spread the infection to other places on his or her body if he or she scratches the affected area and then touches another area.

Regular hand washing and general good hygiene are helpful in preventing the spread of impetigo. Keeping any cuts, scratches, or bug bites clean and covered can also help prevent impetigo. Once a child has impetigo, keeping the infected skin covered can help prevent the child from spreading impetigo to other areas of skin.

Children who have symptoms of impetigo at school will be excluded and it is recommended that they see their health care provider for treatment. Children may return after 24 hours of treatment with antibiotics or with a note from the doctor. If a child at the center has impetigo we will send out an exposure notice to the families in that section of the school.