Impetigo
Impetigo (im-pe-TIE-go) is an infection of the skin. It can be spread to many parts of the body and to other people. It first appears as a discolored pimple. Small blisters may form and quickly break, leaving "weeping" sores and yellow crusts. The skin around the crusts is red.
To keep impetigo from spreading, follow these instructions carefully three times a day.
You Will Need:
- Water
- Mild soap
- Ointment or cream (as ordered by your doctor)
- Clean wash cloth and towel
- Nail clippers
What To Do:
- Wash your hands before applying a prescribed or recommended antibiotic.
- Read label on the ointment or cream.
- Have a person help hold your child if necessary.
- Soak crusty areas on the skin with warm, soapy water to loosen crusts.
- Gently remove crusts by using washcloth.
- Apply ointment or cream to the sores and to the areas around it.
- Wash your hands well when finished.
- Continue to apply ointment or cream as long as your doctor recommends.
- If the sores are not healing, see your doctor, your child may need to take antibiotics by mouth or injection.
Other Instructions
Wash bathtub, bathroom sink, or pan well after each use. Do not use the kitchen sink for washing.
Wash the towel, washcloth and bed linen after each use.
Explain to your child that he should use only his washcloth, towel, or bed linen - not anyone else's, and no one should use his linens either.
Keep your child's fingernails cut short. Teach him not to touch the sores.
Your doctor will tell you when your child may return to school.
When to Call the Doctor
Contact your doctor if sores have not improved in 2 or 3 days, or if sores spread rapidly.
If you have any questions, please call your doctor.
PEP 1030 I
Rev. 4/07
