Signs
and Symptoms
1. Small area of red pus-filled
blisters, typically on the face, arms or legs (but they can show up
anywhere).
2. When blisters pop – brown
colored sticky curst.
3. Itching.
What
to do now
1. Apply an antibiotic ointment
to help clear up a minor case.
2. Softly wash away the crusty
discharge with warm water and soap.
3. To avoid infecting other
people, warn them not to touch your child’s towel, and unwashed clothing.
Wash them in hot water. Change linens daily; wash them in hot water and
detergent, and add bleach.
4. To limit the spread of
infection, encourage your child not to touch or scratch the blisters.
5. To discourage the bacteria
from growing, expose the affected area to air rather than bandaging it.
6. Give your child lukewarm
baths with an antibacterial soap.
7. Dress your child in long-sleeved shirts and long pants to go school
until the crusts are gone and the skin clears, which generally takes seven
to ten days. This will lower the chance of spreading the infection to
others.
When
to call a doctor
Call for an immediate
appointment:
1. If your child’s urine is red
or dark brown; this signals a related, rare kidney ailment that might be
dangerous.
2. If the impetigo covers a
large area or keeps spreading after three days. Use antibiotic cream or
oral antibiotics to fight the infection if prescribed by a doctor.
3. If your child develops a
fever of more than 100 degrees or has a blister larger than one inch wide;
this could indicate a more serious skin infection.
How to
prevent it
1. Make sure children wash
their hands regularly with soap and keep their nails trimmed. Remind them
not to scratch insect bites, scabs, or other skin irritations.
2. Wash all cuts, scrapes, and
wounds with antibacterial soap and water to avoid infection. Keep them
clean and dry while they heal.
3. Never have children share
towels, or bedding.
4. Guard against diaper rash to
protect your baby from the infection.
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