Impetigo is a skin infection common in young children.  It is mostly seen on the face and around the mouth but can occur any place on the skin.  In impetigo infections, the skin becomes red and may ooze.  There may be small bumps clustered together or larger red areas.  These areas may have honey-colored crusts or blisters.  Impetigo spreads quickly and is often itchy.  Children may scratch the crusts off and cause a little bleeding.

Impetigo is caused by germs common to the skin, such as staph or strep. Transmission is by direct contact.  These germs usually cause infection only when the skin gets injured (scraped, cut, or scratched).  Impetigo can spread easily among children.  Incubation time is 2 to 5 days.  

If it is suspected that your child may have impetigo, please visit your child’s primary care physician before returning to school.  Impetigo is typically treated with some combination of special soap, an antibiotic ointment and, sometimes an oral antibiotic.  

Once diagnosed with impetigo, the child may return to school, 24 hours after the antibiotic therapy is started.  It is suggested that the impetigo rash be kept clean and dry.  Covering the site(s) with a light breathable dressing such as gauze or long sleeve tee shirts may help prevent cross-contamination.  Those in contact with a child infected with impetigo should wash hands frequently and designate individual towels.