Shepherd Public Schools

Impetigo

There has been a reported case of impetigo at your child’s school. Impetigo is a contagious skin infection that is often mistaken for "fever blisters" or "cold sores". This common infection does not clear up without treatment and may spread rapidly through the school.

The infection often appears near the mouth or nose, beginning as a thin blister full of watery fluid. The blister increases in size; the secretion forms thick crusts and other blisters appear. The condition may spread rapidly and involve a large part of the face.

A person with impetigo is contagious and may spread the disease to others as long as the lesions or blisters continue to drain. If you suspect that your child has impetigo, he/she must not attend school until treated.

Prompt medical treatment can quickly render your child noninfectious and the cure is relatively easy. The most commonly used drug is made up as an ointment that must be obtained from a physician. The key to successful treatment is thorough washing of the sores with soap and water before each application. All crusts should be removed. It may be necessary to repeat the treatment from three to six times a day since the crusts form rapidly.