Impetigo & Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease 

According to Halsey Schools’ District Public Health Nurse there has been an increase in Impetigo and Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease in the West Valley. Some physicians and parents are not taking the proper steps to treat the infections and prevent their spreading. Here’s what you need to know…

What is Impetigo? 

Impetigo is a non-serious viral infection caused by streptococcus (strep) or staphylococcus (staph) bacteria. The skin normally has many types of bacteria on it, but intact skin is an effective barrier that keeps bacteria from entering and growing in the body. When there is a break in the skin, bacteria can enter the body and grow there, causing inflammation and infection. 

Impetigo causes painless, fluid-filled blisters — usually on the trunk, arms and legs. The skin around the blister is usually red and itchy but not sore. The blisters, which break and scab over with a yellow-colored crust, may be large or small.  Bullous Impetigo is a type type of Impetigo that primarily affects infants and children younger than 2 years and may last longer than sores from other types of Impetigo.

Children are highly contagious 3 days before any signs of infection occur and continue to be contagious 3-5 days after blisters appear. Once blisters are gone children are no longer contagious. 

Children with Impetigo need to be treated by a doctor with either an antibiotic ointment or an oral antibiotic. Infected children must stay away from other children until the blisters & subsequent scabs are completely gone and it is no longer contagious. 

What is Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease? 

It is a non-serious viral infection causing sores in the mouth and blisters on hands & feet. It usually appears in the Spring & Fall. It is often difficult to diagnose. It may appear to be chicken pox, insect bits, dermatitis etc. If you suspect your child shows the symptoms, be sure to have your doctor check for Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease.

It is similar to getting a rash or a cold. So there is absolutely nothing to be alarmed about. And just like a cold the infection lasts 3- 7 days and disappears on its own. One does not become immune to the infection and therefore can become infected again. 

Children are highly contagious 3 days before any signs of infection occur and continue to be contagious 2-3 days after blisters appear. Once blisters  & subsequent scabs are gone children are no longer contagious. 

Children with Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease do NOT need any treatment other than to rest and let the virus run its coarse.

If your child will be out for any reason please call or email the school by 10:00 a.m.

818-992-1942 • Sick@HalseySchools.com