A message to families re notification of some confirmed cases of Impetigo (commonly known as School Sores). Please read the information below.

Impetigo (school sores) is a highly contagious type of skin infection caused by Staphylococcus or Streptococcus bacteria.

Common symptoms of Impetigo are:

• the skin itches and reddens
• a collection of blisters forms, commonly around the nose and mouth
• the blisters pop and weep a yellow, sticky fluid
• the area develops a raised and wet-looking crust
• the scab dries and falls off
• the skin completely heals after a few days.

Treatment options include antibiotic cream, ointment, antibiotic syrup or tablets.

A child with impetigo must be kept home from school until appropriate treatment has begun and the sores on exposed areas are covered with a waterproof dressing and where necessary a crepe bandage.

Practice good personal hygiene.