What should be included in teaching a parent about the management of small red macules and vesicles that become pustules around the child’s mouth and cheek?

a.
Keep the child home from school for 24 hours after initiation of antibiotic treatment.
b.
Clean the rash vigorously with Betadine three times a day.
c.
Notify the physician for any itching.
d.
Keep the child home from school until the lesions are healed.

ANS: A

To prevent the spread of impetigo to others, the child should be kept home from school for 24 hours after treatment is initiated. Good hand washing is imperative in preventing the spread of impetigo. The lesions should be washed gently with a warm soapy washcloth three times a day. Washcloth should not be shared with other members of the family. Itching is common and does not necessitate medical treatment. Rather, parents should be taught to clip the child’s nails to prevent maceration of the lesions. The child may return to school 24 hours after initiation of antibiotic treatment.