Impetigo most commonly affects children. It can be easily spread in nursery where children are in close contact
Exclusion period
Until lesions are crusted and healed or 48 hours after commencing antibiotic treatment
Impetigo is not serious but is highly contagious and every effort should be taken to avoid spreading it to other people such as washing hands after touching affected skin areas and not sharing towels or bed sheets.
Antibiotics are usually recommended to treat the impetigo and minimise the spreading.
Symptoms
Red sores usually occur around the nose and mouth. However other facial areas may be affected.
The sores quickly burst, leaving thick golden crusts that, when dry, leaves a red mark that usually heals without scarring. It is important not to touch or scratch the sores.
