There have been a number of cases of school sores at school recently.  School sores (impetigo) are a skin infection. It is often called 'school sores' because it is common in school children and it spreads amongst them quite easily.

Key points to remember about school sores are:

• school sores (impetigo) are common in children - it is a skin infection caused by bacteria
• school sores spread between children very easily
• try to prevent your child scratching the sores as much as possible - cover sores with a watertight dressing and cut your child's fingernails
• wash hands with soap and dry thoroughly before and after touching the skin or sores
• your child can go back to school, kindergarten or daycare one day after the start of treatment and when the sores are completely covered with dressings
• continue medical treatment until all sores are healed.

Treatment for school sores:

• treatment depends on how far the school sores have spread and how severe the infection is
• your child may get an antiseptic cream or antibiotic medicine from your doctor - your child may need both
• it is important to take the antibiotics every day until they are finished, even if the school sores seem to have cleared up earlier
• gently wash the sores with warm water and a soft cloth - wash the sores until the crust comes off and wash away the pus and blood
• try to prevent your child scratching the sores as much as possible; cutting your child's fingernails can help prevent damage and infection from scratching
• cover sores with a watertight dressing to prevent the infected fluid and crusts from spreading
• make sure your child washes their hands with soap often, and dries them thoroughly, especially if they touch the sores

School sores should clear up in a few days with treatment but your child may need treatment if the sores happen again.

For more information please follow the link below:

https://www.kidshealth.org.nz/how-treat-when-seek-help-school-sores