Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0
Spanish version
Impetigo - Brief Version
What is impetigo?
Impetigo is a skin infection. It is caused by Strep or
Staph bacteria. It is happens more often in the summer,
when children get insect bites, cuts, and scrapes.
When your child has impetigo, you may see that:
- Your child has sores less than 1 inch across.
- The sores start as small red bumps that quickly change to
cloudy blisters, then pimples, and then sores.
- The sores get bigger and don't heal.
- Soft, yellow-brown scabs cover the sores.
How can I take care of my child?
Your child will usually need an oral antibiotic.
- Ask your child's doctor if your child needs to take
antibiotic pills.
Use antibiotic ointment. Put the ointment on the sore three
times a day. Use the ointment for 7 days, or longer, if
needed.
When putting on ointment:
- Soak off the scabs with warm water and an
antibacterial soap. The bacteria live under the
scabs. You need to take away the scabs so the
ointment can work.
- Put on the ointment.
- Cover the sores with a bandage.
Make sure your child does not scratch the sore. This may
cause it to spread.
Keep your child out of school until you have treated his
sores for 24 hours.
Call your child's doctor right away if:
- Your child starts to act very sick.
Call your child's doctor within 24 hours if:
- The sores get bigger or there are more of them after
48 hours of treatment.
- Your child gets a fever or sore throat.
- The sores do not completely heal in 1 week.
- You have other questions or concerns.
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