Impetigo in Children
Impetigo: What Ontario Parents Need to Know
Those crusty, honey-colored patches on your child's skin? It's likely impetigo, a common bacterial skin infection that looks worse than it actually is. While it's definitely contagious and needs treatment, impetigo is very treatable and your child will be feeling better soon.
What's going on?
Impetigo happens when bacteria (usually strep or staph) get into small cuts, scrapes, or bug bites on your child's skin. Think of it as bacteria taking advantage of any tiny opening to set up shop. It's incredibly common in kids because they're always getting little nicks and scratches during play.
The infection creates crusty sores that can spread to other parts of the body if your child touches them and then touches somewhere else. This is why you'll often see it around the nose and mouth, where kids touch frequently, but it can appear anywhere on the body.
School-aged children get impetigo most often, especially during warmer months when cuts and scrapes are more common. The good news? It's one of the most treatable skin infections out there.
What you might notice
- Red sores that quickly fill with pus, then burst and form crusty, honey-colored scabs
- Sores that start small but can grow or spread to nearby skin
- Itchy patches that your child wants to scratch
- Sores most commonly around the nose, mouth, hands, or forearms
- Skin that looks irritated or inflamed around the crusty areas
- New sores appearing as the infection spreads
What helps at home
Keep the area clean by gently washing with soap and water twice daily, then patting dry. Your doctor will likely prescribe an antibiotic ointment that you'll apply directly to the sores, or oral antibiotics for more widespread infections.
Cover the sores with loose bandages to prevent scratching and spreading. Keep your child's fingernails short and clean. Wash hands frequently, especially after touching the infected area. Don't share towels, clothes, or bedding until the infection is treated.
Your child can usually return to school or daycare 24 hours after starting antibiotic treatment, as long as the sores are covered.
When to worry
Head to the emergency room if your child develops a fever, red streaking from the sores, or seems unwell with widespread infection.
Contact your doctor or text Arlo if you suspect impetigo, if the sores aren't improving after a few days of treatment, or if new sores keep appearing. We can often diagnose impetigo from a photo and get treatment started quickly.
The takeaway
Impetigo looks dramatic but responds beautifully to treatment. With proper care, those crusty patches will be gone within a week.
You can always text Arlo and talk to a provider in 5 minutes!
References
- [Impetigo](https://caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/health-conditions-and-treatments/impetigo)
- [Skin infections: impetigo](https://aboutkidshealth.ca/en/healthaz/conditionsanddiseases/skinconditions/pages/skin-infections-impetigo.aspx)
- [Impetigo - Canada.ca](https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/impetigo.html)