NHS Choices Condition
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As impetigo is very contagious it is important to take hygiene precautions to stop the bacteria spreading and prevent other people catching it. The advice below should help prevent the spread of infection.
- Keep children off nursery, playgroup or school until the sores have stopped blistering or crusting, or until 48 hours after starting treatment.
- Don't share flannels, sheets or towels with infected people, and wash them at a high temperature after use.
- Wash the sores with soap and water and cover them loosely with a gauze bandage or clothing.
- Do not touch the sores.
- Wash hands frequently.
- Avoid contact with newborn babies until the risk of contagion has passed (which is when any rash has crusted over or after at least 48 hours of treatment with antibiotics).
To prevent the impetigo returning, keep cuts and scratches clean and ensure that any condition causing broken skin, such as eczema, is treated promptly.
view information about Impetigo on www.nhs.co.uk »Important Notice
The information provided on this website (including any NHS Choices medical information) is for use as information or for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical care by a qualified doctor or other qualified healthcare professional. We do not warrant that any information included within this site will meet your health or medical requirements. This Embarrassing Bodies site does not provide any medical or diagnostic services so you should always check with a health professional if you have any concerns about your health.
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