Close Topic Options

Impetigo, What You Should Be Aware Of

I thought I'd share this as the little boy that I look after had a letter sent from nursery to say that there has been an outbreak of this infection in his class. From what I can gather, it seems to be well known as a childrens infection, and not very pleasant either!

Impetigo is a contagious skin infection that usually produces blisters or sores on the face and hands and is one of the most common skin infections among kids.

Impetigo usually affects preschool and school-age children, especially in the summer months. A child may be more likely to develop impetigo if the skin has already been irritated or injured by other skin problems, such as eczema, poison ivy, insect bites, or a skin allergy to soap or makeup.

Impetigo is usually treated with antibiotics, but before antibiotics have been taken, Impetigo is highly contagious.

You can get Impetigo on any part of your body, but usually it is found on the face or around the mouth.

There are 2 strains of Impetigo, one appearing with small blisters, and one type appearing with larger weeping sores, due to the itchiness of the sores, kids generally tend to scratch at them, and thus infection spreads through scratching and not washing their hands (usually) and then touching other parts of their bodies.


Impetigo is contagious and can spread to anyone who comes into contact with infected skin or other items, so it's very important that separate sheets and bedding are washed separately from everybody elses bedding.

Once the treatment begins, it pretty much clears up within a couple of days, and prevention can be done through hand washing with anti bacterial soaps.

Of Aware Should You Impetigo

This sounds like a pretty serious skin condition. Interesting though, it says is the most common rash in children. I have never seen it but I will surely keep an eye open for my kids. I constantly emphasized the issue of hygiene (particularly washing their hands well with soap).

Impetigo, What You Should Be Aware Of Reviews Consumer & Travel Family Culture

When I was a kid, I remember the family across the street (who had something like 13 or 15 children) had an outbreak of impetigo - in fact, when I first met one of the little girls, she had a big patch of it on her face. We weren't allowed to play together until it cleared up.

I've seen it in several other situations over the years. It really is a nasty disease, and spreads so fast! Be ever mindful, particularly if there has been exposure to it at school.

Of Aware Should You Impetigo

It really is a nasty infection, I went into work yesterday to find out that Charlie has now contracted it, and his face is a real mess. It's very difficult when he still wants to give hugs etc, and you know how contagious it is.
I always use an anti bacterial soap anyway, but I had a bath the minute I got home, and completely washed all my clothing....I'm not taking any chances!

I would hate to think how difficult it must have been for the family that farseer knew with 15 kids... you just kind of know that they would all catch it!