Skip to main content

Physical Health

Print

Impetigo

As with any illness, tell the child’s family if you are concerned about their health. Contact 911 or your local emergency system if you think a child may be having a medical emergency.

Impetigo is a common, contagious skin infection that may be caused by streptococcal or staphylococcal bacteria.

What are the symptoms of impetigo?

Common symptoms of impetigo include:

  • Red sores that pop easily and leave a yellow crust
  • Fluid-filled blisters

Impetigo can develop anywhere on the body. It is especially common on the face, including around the nose, mouth, and ears. It is also often seen on the arms and legs. Less commonly, impetigo can develop in the diaper area. The sores can be uncomfortable and painful.

How does impetigo spread?

Impetigo is usually spread through skin-to-skin contact with a person who has impetigo, but it can also spread by touching objects that someone with impetigo has touched (e.g., towels, blankets, and toys).

Who is at greatest risk?

Certain people and situations make them more likely to develop impetigo. These include:

  • Children 2 to 6 years old (but anyone can get it)
  • Crowded environments
  • Having skin irritated by other conditions, such as eczema
  • Warm and humid weather
  • Having skin abrasions (e.g., insect bites) or dermatitis (itchiness, inflammation of the skin, sometimes caused by allergic reactions)
  • Having a weakened immune system

How can providers limit the spread of impetigo?

Exclusion is not needed before the end of the program day if the skin lesions are covered. Let the parent or guardian know that day. If impetigo is confirmed, the child may return once treatment has started. Impetigo is often treated with a topical antibiotic. At times, it may need oral antibiotics.

Staff absences may be the primary challenge for most Head Start programs. Absences may be from programs asking staff to stay at home, or when worried employees stay home because they fear exposure to impetigo. Effective risk communication and education can help prevent unnecessary absences due to fear of impetigo.

Programs should review their emergency plans and staff availability to make sure they have adequate coverage.

If a child in your facility has impetigo and a health care provider has cleared them to return to the Head Start program:

  • Good hygiene is the most important step to prevent spread.
  • Make sure all children and adults use good hand-washing technique, including scrubbing with liquid soap for 20 seconds or using alcohol-based gels (hand sanitizer). Soap and water is preferred if hands are visibly soiled.
  • Use a fresh paper towel to dry the body or hands.
  • Make sure to clean and disinfect toys.
  • Children should never share soiled clothes, linens, towels, and personal items. Send these things home in a sealed plastic bag.
  • Wear gloves when applying antibiotic ointment that a health care provider may recommend and wash your hands after removing gloves.

As always, follow regular infection control practices to help keep everyone healthy:

  • Minimize exposure to illness.
    • Encourage children and adults to stay home when they’re sick.
    • Do daily health checks when children arrive.
    • Watch children for signs of illness. Contact their parent or guardian if a child is too sick to stay. Early identification and treatment can help make the symptoms less severe and decrease the risk of spreading impetigo to others.
  • Limit germs in the environment.
    • Wash hands with soap and water often throughout the day.
    • Do not let children share mouthed toys, cups, or utensils.
    • Regularly clean, sanitize, and disinfect surfaces and toys.
    • Teach people to cover their coughs and sneezes.
    • Throw away used tissues.
    • Let fresh air indoors.
    • Spend time outdoors.
  • Follow, review, and update exclusion policies. Exclude children if they:
    • Are too sick to take part in program activities.
    • Need more care than staff can give them without affecting the health and safety of other children.
    • Show any other signs or symptoms in your “stay home when sick” policy.
  • Use your program’s health experts, including your Health and Mental Health Services Advisory Committee or child care health consultant, to stay up to date and to develop policies and procedures to prevent the spread of illness.

How can providers partner with families?

Here are some ways programs can partner with families:

« Go to Infectious Disease Fact Sheets

Read more:

,  Physical Health