Impetigo (you say, im-pa-ty-go), also known as school sores, is a common skin infection caused by bacteria. The infection causes blisters on exposed parts of body, such as hands and face, especially around the nose and mouth. The blisters burst and turn into a sore with a yellow crust.
Impetigo is a common skin infection that causes blisters, often on the face around the nose or mouth, but they can be anywhere on the body where the skin has been damaged in some way, eg. cuts or scrapes.
Impetigo sores are crusty-looking and they are very contagious. That means they can be spread easily to other parts of your own body or to other people by touching.
Keep your child home from school, kindergarten or daycare until one day after the start of treatment. Make sure the dressings completely cover their sores.
Caring for your child’s skin condition
Kidshealth
The Kidshealth website has information on impetigo and what to do if your child has it.
DermNet
DermNet New Zealand Trust’s website has information on impetigo, including pictures of the sores.
Health Navigator
The Health Navigator NZ website has information on Impetigo.
Impetigo causes blisters, often on the face, or around the nose or mouth, but they can be anywhere on the body.
The blister bursts and the watery stuff from the blister dries and makes a yellowy crust. Other blisters appear around it, and it can be very itchy.
When the scab dries up, it will fall off and the skin underneath will look normal after a few days.
You need to go back to the doctor if any of these things happen:
The infection may have spread to other parts of the body or blood. Your child may need blood tests and antibiotics.
Call Healthline 0800 611 116 if you are unsure what you should do.
The following actions may reduce the risk of school sores:
