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Impetigo is a common skin infection that causes red, itchy, and sometimes painful sores, often affecting children in daycare or preschool. Because it spreads quickly in group settings, you want to act fast if there’s an outbreak in your child’s class.
Proper care and prompt action can help manage the infection and prevent it from spreading to others.
At Hines Dermatology Associates in Attleboro, Massachusetts, Dr. Yvonne Hines and our caring team specialize in treating skin conditions like impetigo. We’re here to help your child recover quickly with the right treatment and clear advice to stop the infection from spreading.
Not sure what to do next if your child has impetigo? Here’s your doctor-approved step-by-step guide to resolve this uncomfortable infection.
The first step in treating impetigo is figuring out what type your child is dealing with. There are two main kinds:
This is the most common type. It starts as red sores that eventually break open, ooze, and form a yellowish crust.
This type is less common and shows up as larger blisters (bullae) that fill with fluid. These blisters can pop and leave the skin underneath raw and tender.
We usually treat nonbullous impetigo with antibiotic ointments, while bullous impetigo might need oral antibiotics to fully clear the infection. If you’re unsure which kind your child has, don’t hesitate to check with Dr. Hines and our team.
Start by cleaning your child’s skin at the infection site. Use warm water and a mild antibacterial soap. Be gentle and don’t scrub the sores, as that can make things worse or spread the infection. Use a clean washcloth and pat the skin dry with a fresh towel or let it air dry.
Dr. Hines might recommend an antibiotic ointment or, in more severe cases, oral antibiotics. Carefully apply an ointment to the entire affected area as directed. For oral antibiotics, follow the prescribed schedule even if the sores seem to clear up sooner. Stopping treatment too early can allow the infection to come back.
Covering the sores is a simple but effective way to keep from spreading the infection. Use gauze or light bandages to protect the area, reduce scratching, and stop the bacteria from spreading. Change the wraps daily or any time they get dirty or wet.
Handwashing is key. Teach your child to wash their hands regularly, especially after touching the sores. You also need to wash your own hands after helping with treatment or changing bandages. Soap and water are your best defense against spreading impetigo to others.
Impetigo bacteria can survive on surfaces, so make sure to wash anything your child uses, like bedding, towels, and clothes, in hot water. Wipe down frequently touched surfaces — door handles, toys, counters, etc. — with disinfectant. Don’t share personal items like towels, combs, or cups until the infection clears.
If your child has impetigo, keep them home from daycare, school, or other group settings. Most kids stop being contagious 24-48 hours after starting antibiotics, or when the sores have dried out and crusted over. Dr. Hines and our team can let you know when it’s OK for them to return.
You should see improvement in a few days once treatment begins. If the sores aren’t healing, start to look worse, or your child develops a fever, call our office.
Stay on top of these steps to help your child recover faster and stop the infection from spreading.
If you suspect your child has impetigo or another skin infection, schedule a consultation with Dr. Hines and our expert team. Call our office at 508-222-1976 or use the online scheduling tool to book an appointment.
