School Sores

We have had a report of possible school sores - please be aware if your child is showing any symptoms or have open sores they must remain at home.

Impetigo (school sores)

Impetigo (im-pet-eye-go) is an infection of the skin caused by bacteria. It is often called school sores because it is common among school children. Impetigo causes sores on the skin, which are usually itchy. The sores may start out as blisters that burst and become weepy, before being covered with a crust.

Impetigo is not usually a serious infection, and should clear up a few days after starting medical treatment. Children with impetigo are very infectious (contagious), but the spread of impetigo can be reduced by practising good hygiene, covering the sores with dressings and keeping your child away from other children until they are no longer infectious.

Signs and symptoms of impetigo

• The sores can be anywhere on the body, but are often on the face near the mouth and nose, or on the arms and legs.
• Impetigo may start with a blister or a group of blisters.
• The blister bursts leaving a patch of red, wet, weepy skin.
• The sore usually becomes coated with a tan or yellowish crust, making it look like it has been covered with honey.
• There can be small spots around the first sores, spreading outwards.
• There is often superficial peeling on the edge of the sore.
• Impetigo is usually itchy.