Prevention and Control of Communicable Diseases
Impetigo
Impetigo is a contagious skin infection often occurring on the nose, arms, or legs or around the mouth. This infection is common in young children.
Cause
Streptococcus and/or Staphylococcus bacteria, including Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
Symptoms
Typically begins at a break in the skin (e.g., insect bite, cut). Sores form on the skin and produce a thick golden-yellow discharge that dries, crusts, and sticks to the skin.
Rarely, problems such as kidney disease or cellulitis (skin infection) may develop if children do not receive proper treatment.
Spread
From person-to-person through touching the fluid from the sores. Rarely, through touching contaminated objects.
Incubation
It usually takes 1 to 10 days from the time a person is exposed until symptoms begin. Symptoms usually begin 1 to 3 days after exposure to Streptococcus, and usually 4 to 10 days after exposure to Staphylococcus.
Contagious Period
Until sores are healed or the person has been treated with antibiotics for 24 hours.
Exclusion
Child Care and School: If impetigo is confirmed by a healthcare provider, until 24 hours after treatment has been initiated. Lesions on exposed skin should be covered with watertight dressing.
Diagnosis
Recommend parents/guardians call their healthcare provider if their child has impetigo.
Treatment
Impetigo can be treated with topical antibiotics (applied directly to the skin) when only a few sores are present. Oral or injectable antibiotics may also be prescribed.
Prevention/Control
- Regular and thorough handwashing is the best way to prevent the spread of communicable diseases. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm running water after contact with sores.
- Wear disposable medical gloves if applying ointment to sores or use cotton- tipped swabs.
- Cover sores whenever possible to prevent spread. Discourage children from scratching infected areas.
- DO NOT share towels, washcloths, or clothing.
- Clean and sanitize mouthed objects, and surfaces at least daily and when soiled.
For more information, call the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (MDHSS) Bureau of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention at 573-751-6113 or 800-392-0272 (24/7), or call your local health department.
Impetigo Parent Fact Sheet
Your child may have been exposed to:
Impetigo
Impetigo is a bacterial skin infection. It usually occurs on the nose, arms, or legs or around the mouth.
If you think your child has Impetigo:
- Tell your child care provider or call the school.
- Need to stay home?
Child Care and School:
Yes, if impetigo is confirmed by your healthcare provider, until 24 hours of treatment has been completed.
Lesions on exposed skin should be covered with watertight dressing and the sores are drying.
Symptoms
Your child may have sores on the skin. The sores can produce a thick golden-yellow discharge that dries, crusts, and sticks to the skin. It usually begins at a break in the skin. It could start near a cut or insect bite.
If your child is infected, it may take 1 to 10 days for symptoms to start.
Spread
- By touching the fluid from the sores.
Contagious Period
Until sores are healed or the person has been treated for at least 24 hours.
Call your Healthcare Provider
- If anyone in your home has symptoms of impetigo. Your doctor may prescribe a medication.
Prevention
- Wash hands after touching anything that could be contaminated with fluid from the sores. Your child may need help with handwashing.
- Clean and disinfect objects that come in contact with fluid from the sores. Use a product that kills bacteria.
- DO NOT share towels, washcloths, or clothing.
- Keep sores covered with a bandage. Remind children not to scratch the sores.
For more information, call the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (MDHSS) Bureau of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention at 573-751-6113 or 800-392-0272 (24/7), or call your local health department.