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Impetigo (staphylococcal bacteria or streptococcal bacteria)

This is intended as a general guide. Consult a health care provider for diagnosis and for recommendations or advice.

How it Spreads

Usually follows a scrape or an insect bite.

Direct contact with rash; contact with bedding, towels, or clothing that have touched an infected person’s skin.

How to Recognize

Rash with a cluster of red bumps or blisters around the mouth, nose, or other parts of the skin not covered by clothing.

May ooze or be covered by a honey-colored crust.

When it is Contagious

From onset of rash until 24 hours after the start of antibiotic.

Maintain good hand washing after touching infected skin.

When to Report/Exclude

Exclude from child care and school for 24 hours after the start of antibiotics – if no antibiotic treatment is used exclude until rash is healed

References

Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care

Canadian Pediatric Society

MOHLTC Infectious Diseases Protocol 2022