Impetigo

Impetigo is a skin infection that mainly affects children.  It usually appears as red sores that can open and ooze fluid and develop a yellow-brown crust.  It usually appears on the face, especially around a child’s nose and mouth.

The skin normally has many types of bacteria on it, but intact skin acts as an effective barrier that keeps bacteria from entering the body.  The bacteria that causes impetigo often enters the body when there is a break in the skin such as a bug bite, poison ivy, or cut.  

Impetigo is contagious. It is spread by   contact with the sores of someone who’s infected or with the items they’ve touched, such as clothing, bed linens, and towels.  

Impetigo is seldom serious.  Treatment is usually antibiotic ointment or oral antibiotics.  Children can return to school after being on the antibiotic for 24 hours.  

The sores of impetigo heal slowly and rarely cause scarring.  The cure rate is extremely high. 

To prevent the spread of impetigo, practice good hygiene measures.  Wash hands frequently, minor cuts and scrapes should be washed with soap and water and kept covered while at school.  Avoid direct contact with a person that has impetigo.  Do not share towel, linens or clothes with someone that has impetigo.

There was one case of impetigo at our school this year.  The student was treated and returned to school after being on antibiotics for 24 hours.  There has been no further spread of the infection within the school. 

Protect your child by getting a flu vaccine for your child and yourself!

Please read the Nursing Notes for more information.

A second dose of varicella (chicken pox) is now required for all school age children. If your child has not received this immunization, please schedule an appointment with your child's physician now.

Children frequently have accidents at school, spilling milk or not making to the bathroom quickly enough.  When children come to the nurse's office, we will attempt to contact a parent. If you are unable to bring clothes we will try to provide an article of clothing. 

Due to the risk of communicable diseases, we are only able to use new clothes.  We are trying to build a supply of clothes through donations from parents.  If you find a great sale and would be willing to donate an article of clothing, please drop it off at the nurse's office.