Impetigo School Sores

Overview

Impetigo is a common skin infection caused by bacteria (tiny germs). It causes sores or blisters that may burst and leave honey-coloured crusts. It is sometimes called school sores because it often affects children.

Yes. Impetigo is one of the most common skin infections in children. It is seen often by family doctors, school nurses, and pharmacists.

It mostly affects children, especially preschool and school-age children. Adults can get it too, especially if they have cuts, skin problems, or a weaker immune system (the body's defence system).

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Sores around the nose and mouth, or on the arms and legs
• Blisters that burst and leave golden or honey-coloured crusts
• Itching or mild soreness
• Swollen glands near the sores
• Sometimes a mild fever

Symptoms in children

• A child may be fussy or uncomfortable
• Sores may spread by scratching
• A child may avoid eating if sores are around the mouth
• Children may need to stay home from school for a short time, depending on advice

Symptoms in older adults

• Impetigo is less common in older adults, but it can happen
• Skin may be more fragile and heal more slowly
• If the immune system is weaker, infection may spread faster, so early advice is wise

Causes

Main causes

• Bacteria (tiny germs) get into small breaks in the skin, such as cuts, scratches, or insect bites
• The infection can spread from one person to another by touch
• It can also spread through shared towels, clothes, bed linen, or toys
• Sometimes sores appear without an obvious break in the skin

Risk factors

• Being a child, especially preschool or school age
• Close contact with someone who has impetigo
• Cuts, insect bites, eczema, or other skin problems
• Warm, humid weather
• Living or playing in crowded settings
• A weakened immune system (the body's defence system)

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Sores spread quickly or become very painful
• A fever or feeling generally unwell
• Sores near the eye
• A baby or young child who is very unwell
• Red streaks spreading from a sore
• You are worried and cannot get advice quickly

Book a routine appointment if:

• You think you or your child has impetigo
• Sores are not healing after a few days
• Sores keep coming back
• Several people in the same home or school have sores
• You are unsure how to keep sores covered or stop them spreading

Diagnosis

A healthcare provider can usually diagnose impetigo by looking at the skin. They will ask about symptoms, recent skin injuries, and whether anyone else has similar sores.

Tests that may be done

• Most people do not need tests
• Sometimes a skin swab (a small sample taken from the skin) is checked in a lab
• A swab may be used if the infection is severe, keeps coming back, or is part of an outbreak
• Blood tests are rarely needed

What to expect at your appointment

The visit is usually quick. Your clinician may ask about school, work, or close contacts. They will explain whether treatment is needed and how to stop the infection spreading.

Treatment

Treatment aims to clear the infection, ease discomfort, and stop it spreading. Many people are given antibiotic medicine by a healthcare provider. Small spots may sometimes be managed with good hygiene and advice. Always ask a qualified healthcare provider what is right for you or your child.

Self-care at home

• Gently clean sores with warm water and a clean cloth
• Do not pick, squeeze, or scratch sores
• Cover sores loosely with clothing or a light dressing if they might be touched
• Wash hands often with soap and water
• Keep your child's fingernails short and clean
• Do not share towels, flannels, clothes, or bed linen
• Wash towels, bed linen, and clothes in hot water
• Ask a pharmacist or clinician about suitable pain relief if needed

Medical treatments

A healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotic medicine (medicines that kill bacteria). For small areas, this may be a cream or ointment. For larger or spreading infection, it may be tablets or liquid medicine. They will choose based on age, size of the infection, and general health. Finish the course as directed. Do not use leftover medicines or share them. Ask your pharmacist or clinician if you are unsure.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not used to treat impetigo. If a sore turns into a painful pus-filled lump, a healthcare provider will advise on the right care.

Living with this condition

Keep sores covered and clean, and wash hands often. Ask your clinician or school when it is safe to return to school or work. Many children can return once treatment has started and sores are covered, but local guidance can vary.

Lifestyle tips

• Keep sores covered when around others
• Avoid touching or scratching sores
• Use separate towels and flannels for each person
• Wash bedding and clothes regularly in hot water
• Clean surfaces and toys that may have been touched
• Avoid contact sports or swimming until sores are healed or a clinician says it is safe

Diet and exercise

No special diet is needed. Offer plenty of fluids, especially if there is a fever. Rest helps recovery. Avoid swimming pools and contact sports until sores are healed or a healthcare provider says it is safe.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Sores can make children feel self-conscious or embarrassed, and missing school can be stressful for families. Reassure your child that impetigo is common and not caused by being dirty. If you or your child feel very anxious or low, speak to a healthcare provider. If there is any risk of self-harm, contact your local emergency number or a crisis support service in your area right away.

Prevention

You can lower the chance of impetigo with good hand hygiene, covering cuts and scratches, and not sharing personal items. No method works every time.

Vaccines

There is no vaccine to prevent impetigo.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening test for impetigo.

Complications

If left untreated

• The infection can spread to other parts of the skin or to other people
• Sores may become larger, more itchy, or painful
• Rarely, the infection can go deeper into the skin and need stronger treatment
• Very rarely, certain bacterial skin infections can lead to a kidney problem or a serious body-wide infection
• Scarring is uncommon but can happen if sores are scratched deeply

Long-term outlook

Most people recover fully. With treatment and good hygiene, sores usually start to improve within a few days and heal within a week or two. It is okay to ask for help early.

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