Impetigo Skin Infection in Children

Impetigo (sometimes referred to as impetaigo) is a fast moving yet superficial skin infection, which most common among children in the 2 to 8 year range.

Impetigo is normally a localised infection, the face being the most common infected area, especially the corners of the mouth and around the ears. It is highly a contagious bacterial infection and can be caused by two strains of bacteria, Staphylococcal or Streptococcal. It is capable of rapid cross infection between humans, especially in humid and warmer conditions. As Impetigo takes 3 to 10 days for the symptoms to show, it is easy for people to spread the condition as they do not realise they are infected for a period of time.

As the bacteria can be spread so easily, specially from itching the infection and passing the bacteria on via touch, many Schools and pre School nursery’s prefer for infected children to remain at home with this condition, to stop cross contamination with other children.

Impetigo can normally be successfully treated using antibiotic cream (topical antibiotics).

Impetigo also causes flu-like symptoms which may cause fatigue, weakness of muscles, headaches and vomiting.<-->