Impetigo

Impetigo is a bacterial infection of your child's skin.

It starts as a red area that forms blisters full of pus. The blisters turn into a crust the color of honey.

The infection occurs most around the mouth, nose, cuts, scratches and insect bites. The sores are itchy.

Impetigo can be easily passed to other people (contagious).

For a mild case of impetigo, you can wash the affected areas with soap (such as Dial®) and an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment (such as Bacitracin®).

For a more severe case of impetigo, your health care provider can prescribe an antibiotic. If the impetigo doesn't get better within three days, call your health care provider for an appointment.

You will need to wash all bedding, towels and clothing used by your child. The bacteria can live on these items for a while and be passed on to others.