School sores or Impetigo is a common bacterial skin infection in children. It is more common in warm, humid weather and is highly contagious.

Because it is contagious, school sores is most common on the face and hands but can occur anywhere where kids pick or scratch.

What does school sores look like?

It presents as a few red spots but can form blisters with pus or golden crusts. The infection can become more serious and develop what is called cellulitis which is when redness and pain spreads to surrounding skin. It can also become more serious when there is underlying eczema.

This website provides some more information and images.

How do I treat and prevent school sores?

School sores is easily treated with topical cream if mild and localised, or oral antibiotics if more widespread. Prevention of spread is most important particularly when there are siblings, school or daycare involved.

It is best to keep your child away from school, daycare or friends until the infection is adequately treated.

Regular hand washing with soap and water is very important, as is avoiding picking or scratching. Covering the sores is probably the best way to stop kids picking at something you’ve just told them not to!

Washing towels and bed linens in hot water can be helpful for recurrent school sores but is usually not necessary.

School sores is a very common and easily treated infection that kids get and should not be cause for alarm. It does not mean your child has poor hygiene, but it is always good to get onto it early to avoid its spread.

This article has been written by Dr Clark Wasiun