Preventing Impetigo
Impetigo Disease Fact Sheet
(PDF 13 KB)
The bacteria that causes impetigo are most
commonly spread by direct, skin-to-skin contact with someone that is
infected.
A person is no longer contagious after at least
24 hours of antibiotic treatment. However, a patient can
remain contagious for several weeks if not treated.
Because the sores are often itchy, the illness is spread easily among
children who scratch at the lesions and then touch surfaces at school
or day care.
Prevention includes washing children’s hands frequently. If there are known cases in the
school or child care center, surfaces should be washed often with
disinfectant.
Children or family members should not share cloth towels, clothing, or
bedding.
Gloves should be worn when applying topical antibiotic to the sores,
and hands should be washed thoroughly afterwards. |
Prevention Recommendations
-
Wash children's hands frequently
-
Disinfect surfaces in schools or child care centers
with known cases
-
Do not share cloth towels, clothing, or bedding
-
Keep children's nails cut short
|
Exclusion from School
Children who have been diagnosed with impetigo should remain home
from preschool or child care until antibiotics have been given for
at least 24 hours.
For a school-age child, it is acceptable for the
child to attend school if the blisters can be covered and there is
not an "outbreak" of cases at the school. |
|
