What infection control measures should be advised to parents of children with impetigo to prevent spread in schools?

Infection control measures for parents of children with impetigo to prevent spread in schools include:

• Ensure the child does not attend school or other childcare settings until all lesions are healed, dry, and crusted over, or until at least 48 hours after starting appropriate treatment such as hydrogen peroxide cream or antibiotics.
• Advise parents to maintain good hygiene practices, including thorough handwashing with liquid soap and tepid running water, especially after touching the lesions or applying treatment.
• Encourage keeping the affected skin clean and covered if possible to reduce transmission risk.
• Advise parents to inform the school about the child’s condition so that appropriate infection control measures can be reinforced.
• Ensure any pre-existing skin conditions (e.g., eczema, insect bites) are optimally treated to reduce susceptibility to infection.
• Educate parents and children on the importance of not sharing towels, bedding, clothing, or personal items to prevent spread.
• Promote a whole-school approach to infection prevention, including availability of handwashing facilities and teaching children about hand hygiene.

These measures help reduce the spread of impetigo both to other parts of the child’s body and to other children and staff in the school environment.

References: NICE CKS,NICE NG63