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Impetigo (a.k.a. Infantigo) Parent Alert

E-10

PARENT ALERT

Contagious disease exposure in room __________ on ___________.

Impetigo (aka Infantigo)

WHAT IS IT? A common bacterial skin infection, usually around the nose and mouth, on the arms or legs. It can start as red, itchy sores that break open and leak a clear fluid or pus. As it heals, a “honey-colored” scab forms over the sore (CDC, 2022).

WHERE DID IT COME FROM? A person's own nose, or from another person with the same bacteria. Infants and children are most susceptible. Common in children 2 to 5 years old.

HOW AND WHEN CAN YOU CATCH IT? The bacteria can spread to others if someone touches untreated sores or comes into contact with fluid from the sores (CDC, 2022). Also, by touching contaminated surfaces or clothing, and through cuts and wounds.

HOW LONG BEFORE SYMPTOMS APPEAR? Variable. It usually takes 10 days for sores to appear after someone is exposed.

WHAT ARE POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS? Spread of the lesions to other parts of the body, further damage by scratching. Very rarely, impetigo complications include kidney problems and rheumatic fever (a disease that can affect the heart, joint, brain and skin).

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?

  1. Seek medical advice.
  2. Keep your child out of class until 24 hours after antibiotic treatment is started.
  3. Alert the teacher of the diagnosis.
  4. Wash hands before and after touching the sores.

WHAT WILL THE STAFF DO?

  1. Follow infection control and exclusion of children with the same kind of sores.
  2. Use special care in handwashing.
  3. Cover open sores.

WHAT CAN YOU DO FOR THE INFECTED CHILD?

  1. Clean the infected area and apply medication as recommended by your physician.
  2. Cover the infected area to avoid contact with others.
  3. Dispose of tissues, cotton, etc. that have touched the sore in a sealed plastic bag.
  4. Help your child not to touch the area and clip fingernails to reduce further injury.
  5. Wash his/her hands often.

WHEN CAN THE CHILD RETURN TO CLASS? After 24 hours of treatment with antibiotics and lesions are covered. If you have any questions, call your childcare provider and healthcare provider.

Reference: (CDC, 2022)