Impetigo
What is Impetigo?
Impetigo is a skin infection caused by streptococcal and staphylococcal bacteria. It can occur in people of any age but is more common in children. Impetigo can affect skin anywhere on the body, although it most often occurs on the face.
Signs and symptoms
- Area of itchy skin where tiny blisters develop
- Blisters will eventually burst to reveal areas of red skin that may weep fluid
- Most commonly found on the arms, legs, and face
Incubation period
7-10 days for streptococcal; variable for staphylococcal
Contagious period and spread
Infections may be spread by direct contact with infected skin. Less commonly, it can be spread through direct contact with articles (such as clothing, bedding, towels, etc.) that have come in contact with the rash. This infection is common in contact sports, such as wrestling.
Treated people are no longer contagious after 24 hours of antibiotic therapy. Untreated people are contagious as long as there is discharge from affected areas.
Public health reporting requirements
- Report the infection to the facility director or school nurse.
- Individual cases of impetigo are not reportable to public health.
- Suspected outbreaks of all types (including impetigo) are reportable to state or local public health.
Control of spread
- Discourage scratching or touching the sores and scabs.
- Keep the sores covered with a bandage.
- Encourage frequent handwashing, and wash hands after touching anything that could be contaminated with fluid from the sores.
- Sharing towels, clothing, and other personal items should be discouraged.
- Cleanliness and prompt attention to minor wounds will help prevent Impetigo.
- Wash contaminated clothes, linens, and towels.
- Consult with local or state public health with implementation of control measures.
Treatment
Oral or topical antibiotics may be prescribed to treat Impetigo. Antibiotics will decrease the spread of disease and the risk of secondary infections, as well as speed healing.
Exclusion
Exclude infected students until antibiotics are started as long as all lesions can be covered. If lesions cannot be covered, wait until 24 hours after antibiotic treatment has started.
- Coaches: Skin checks are important in prevention of this illness and are recommended as part of the weigh-in protocols for contact sports.
Role of teachers, caregivers, and family
- Report the infection to the designated staff member to develop an action plan for care and notification of possibly exposed family members and staff.
- Emphasize hand hygiene and measures to control contact with infected secretions.
- Wear gloves and avoid contact with sores with bare hands when possible. If contact with sores does occur, immediate hand hygiene is recommended.
- Use medication recommended by the child’s health care professional.
- Wash contaminated clothing and towels daily.