We have had an incident of school sores at school - please check your child/ren and if they have any sores that looks suspicious or different - get them checked.

Impetigo (also called school sores) is a common skin infection. Impetigo mostly affects tamariki (children), but it can affect people of any age. Impetigo is passed on by skin-to-skin contact such as touching, so it spreads very easily.

Symptoms of school sores

The symptoms of impetigo are red sores or blisters, which burst to leave crusty, golden-brown patches. The sores can be itchy. The sores mostly affect the face and hands, but they can appear on other parts of the body.

Impetigo needs treating to prevent complications and to stop the infection spreading.

You should see your healthcare provider if you think you or your child has impetigo.

Further information can be located on the Ministry of Health Website.