Dear Parents/Caregivers,

I would like to inform you that we have had a confirmed case of Impetigo (School Sores) from students in Year 3 and Year 5.
For your information, I have included some information below:

Symptoms of Impetigo

• the skin itches and reddens
• a collection of blisters forms, commonly around the nose and mouth
• the blisters pop and weep a yellow, sticky fluid
• the area develops a raised and wet-looking crust
• the scab dries and falls off
• the skin completely heals after a few days.

To Avoid Spreading Impetigo

Impetigo blisters and crusts are filled with bacteria. This makes the condition highly contagious, particularly when the site is weeping. The skin is usually itchy, so the child scratches and spreads the infection from under their fingernails to other areas of the body or to another person. Infection can also be spread by handling contaminated clothing or articles. Suggestions to reduce the risk of transmission to other family members include:
• Encourage everyone to wash their hands with soap frequently, and dry completely.
• A child with impetigo should be kept home from school or day care until appropriate treatment has begun and the sores on exposed areas are covered with a waterproof occlusive dressing.
• Cut your child’s fingernails short and encourage them not to scratch scabs or pick their nose.
• Avoid scratching or touching the sores to prevent spread to other areas of the body. Use a crepe bandage if necessary.
• Keep affected areas of skin clean and covered to minimise the chance of spreading the infection.
• Always wash your hands with soap before and after touching sores or scabs.
• Encourage children to use their own towel and face cloth. No sharing.
• Wash the child’s linen, towels and clothes in hot water. Wash all household linen in hot water while the infection is present.
• Dispose of used dressings promptly and thoroughly. Wash and dry hands after the dressings have been disposed of into a plastic bag and place bag into household waste.

Appropriate diagnosis and treatment for impetigo is antibiotics obtained from the doctor. If you suspect your child has impetigo, then please seek medical advice. Once treatment has commenced students can return to school 24 hours later.

Regards,
Jamie Tactor