Impetigo or school sores are caused by either of two bacteria, Staphylococcus or Streptococcus, and are not, as was once thought, from poor hygiene. These bacteria live harmlessly on our skin or in our nose, but any cuts, abrasions or eczema can allow the bacteria to enter the body.

Called “school sores” because they affect mostly children, and spread rapidly in the close contact environment of school, they are more common in warmer temperatures where bacteria thrive. The infection is dangerous to new babies who haven’t developed their immune system.

What are the symptoms?

Pimples or blisters appear around the face or nose, on legs and arms, and sometimes the armpits or groin. They spread and burst, oozing a sticky, yellow liquid. Ugly scabs form, harden and fall off. If the infection is contained, the skin heals quickly and there are no ill effects.

If allowed to spread, the lymph glands can swell, a fever develops and the child generally feels unwell. It’s important that a doctor confirms the diagnosis. The most common treatment for impetigo is antibiotics, both oral and in a cream.

Stopping the spread

Hygiene and isolation will generally stop the infection. The sores and the oozing liquid teem with bacteria, so they must be bathed in an antibacterial solution and covered. The entire family must wash their hands regularly, cut fingernails short, and not share anything that could transfer the bacteria to others. The infected child’s clothing, towels and bedding must be washed separately in water containing an antibacterial solution.

Alternatives to Antibiotics

Impetigo is becoming resistant to antibiotics, so if your child has been correctly diagnosed, and the traditional treatments are not working, the following are some alternative remedies that have been successful:

  • Wash the affected area with grapefruit seed extract several times a day

  • Wash the affected area with plain Ivory soap then apply Campho-Phenique several times a day
  • Mix together 1½ ozs Aloe gel, 12 drops of Lemon Grass oil, and 12 drops of Patchouli oil and apply to sores 3 times a day

  • Apply tea tree and almond oil to the sores several times a day

Choose one of these remedies and try it for a couple of days, while continuing the hygiene techniques and dressings. If there is no improvement, you must return the child to your doctor for further assessment. While school sores generally heal in a few days, prolonged cases must be treated seriously.