The superficial skin condition of impetigo is generally caused by the bacteria staphyloccus aureus or streptococcus pyogenes and in most cases affects young children. Common symptoms include blisters which form on the face around the nose and mouth, neck and hands.

Good hygiene is the best preventative measure of impetigo and regular hand washing to avoid the bacteria from spreading to other parts of the body as well as on to someone else. Treatment for impetigo is usually with antibiotic ointment or tablets if the condition worsens.

In its early stages impetigo is highly contagious and can spread through scratching and then touching other parts of the body. It can spread to others who come into contact with someone with impetigo and for this reason it is important to avoid contact and not use or share the same towels, bed linen and clothes.

Impetigo can be prevented if good hygiene is practiced and these measures are pretty straight forward to take. Gentle cleaning and covering of the infected area will prevent scratching and therefore spreading to another area. The use of an anti biotic ointment should see a full recovery after about a week of continued usage.

For children it is advised to keep the fingernails short and clean as the bacteria can hind behind and underneath and provoke further spreading. Using soap and water and taking regular baths and showers will also prevent impetigo from occurring. Injured areas should be cleaned and monitored in order to prevent further infection.

For families, it is important that the infected is given separate towels and bed sheets and that the infected sores are kept covered to avoid contact with others and household surfaces.