Actions That Can Be Done To Prevent Impetigo

Impetigo is a contagious skin infection that usually produces blisters or sores on the face, neck, hands, and diaper area is one of the most common skin infections among kids.


It is generally caused by one of two bacteria: staphylococcus aureus or group A streptococcus. Impetigo usually affects preschool and school-age children. A child may be more likely to develop impetigo if the skin has already been irritated by other skin problems, such as eczema, poison ivy, and insect bites.


Actions that can be done to prevent impetigo include:

• Wash hands immediately by using the water flow when discharged patient contact, especially when exposed to injury.
• Do not use the same clothes with the patient.
• Clean up and do the disinfectant on the toys that might infect another person, after use of the patient.
• Bathe regularly with soap and water (an antiseptic soap may be used, but can irritate skin in some people with sensitive skin)
• Good hygiene, including washing hands regularly, keep your fingernails short and clean.
• Keep away from people with impetigo.
• Wash clothing, towels and bed linen from children with impetigo separate from the others. Wash with hot water and dry in the sun or a hot dryer. Toys that are used can be washed with disinfectant.
• Use gloves when applying topical antibiotics in the infected site and wash hands afterwards.

(Source: Northern Kentucky Health Department, 1:2005).