Treatment
The mainstay of treatment is a course of antibiotics. Your doctor may also prescribe an antibiotic ointment to be used 2-3 times a day. In between applications of the ointment, wash the skin gently with soap or an antibacterial solution, and pat dry.
• if the sore is surrounded by an area of red skin;
• if your child is also generally unwell or has a fever.
Always see your doctor if you suspect your child has school sores.
Prevention
Impetigo can spread rapidly to other parts of the body, merely from your child touching the sore and then scratching elsewhere. Try to explain this to your child, and encourage him not to pick at sores. Keep fingernails short and wash your child’s hands frequently until the infection has well and truly cleared up. Impetigo is also highly contagious, and your child should be kept home until the sores have healed. Keep a separate towel for the exclusive use of the child who has impetigo, and wash all linen thoroughly if stained with blood or pus from the sores.
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