It is important that anyone who thinks they or their tamariki might have school sores sees a health professional for advice and treatment.

School sores (impetigo) are a common skin infection caused by bacteria. School sores are not caused by being unclean.

The infection usually starts as little blisters, sores or red spots on the skin. These

then become weepy open sores before crusting over.

The sores are usually very

itchy.

They grow bigger every day and then spread to other parts of the body.

School sores most often appear on skin that is already broken, for example by a bite, cut or scratch, or skin that is affected by eczema.

School sores are easily spread from person to person, especially among young

children at kura, and in homes where there are a lot of people living in close

quarters.

It is important that anyone who thinks they or their tamariki might have school

sores sees a health professional for advice and treatment.

If your tamariki has school sores, they must stay home from school until they have been on treatment for at least 24 hours, or all their sores have healed. They should have all sores covered by a waterproof dressing.

For more information on school sores: https://healthify.nz/health-a-z/s/school-sores

Where to get treatment in the community for school sores:

GP / Family Doctor – most GP practices will be able to offer same-day

appointments for treatment of school sores if you let them know that is the issue.

For rangatahi aged 10-24: Te Tahi Youth offer acute medical clinics at 109

Salisbury St on Wednesday 1:30pm-3:30pm and Friday 12pm-2pm (call 03 943 9298 to book) and a drop-in clinic (no booking required) at Te Puawaitanga, The Loft Eastgate on Thursday 1pm-4pm. See: https://tetahiyouth.org.nz/how-we-can-

help/medical-support/ for more information.

Advice is always available from the Healthline nurses by phoning 0800 611 116