Impetigo (im-puh-TIE-go) has recently broken out at LHS. For the time being, all cases are under control, but athletes and students are urged to take precautions nonetheless.
“All athletes have been treated and instructed to contact the nurses or us for any wound care,” Athletic Trainer Ron Russ said.
Impetigo is a skin infection that leads to blisters or sores on or around the face, neck or hands. In many cases, the infected skin will be itchy or crusty. Caused by contact with streptococcus or staphylococcus bacteria, it is highly contagious and is one of the most common skin conditions among children.
Impetigo is transmitted through contact with the sores and blisters on the skin and is very common among wrestlers and football players, which is where most of LHS’ cases are seen. The incubation period is one to three days.
In most cases, impetigo clears up on its own or with antibiotic ointment within two to three weeks, but in more serious cases, antibiotics or creams can be prescribed by a doctor.
“Just because a person has a blister or sore does not mean that active impetigo has developed. Medical judgment and culture tests are needed to decide whether antibiotics or creams are necessary,” Russ said.
Students should take precautions to prevent impetigo, such as washing their hands regularly using soap and athletes should use clean equipment.