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IMPETIGO

A contagious bacterial skin infection similar to boils.

SYMPTOMS: This contagious bacterial skin infection usually enters through broken skin (often caused by picking or scratching at insect wounds or eczema). The skin becomes red and small blisters appear. These burst, leaving raw, moist sores that get bigger and form yellow-golden crusts. HOW SERIOUS? See your doctor urgently.

TREATMENT: Teach your child not to touch or scratch the sores. Keep her nails short and clean to avoid the spread of infection to other parts of her body. Keep her bedding, facecloths and towels separate from the rest of the family’s, and keep her away from other children until the infection has cleared up, which takes about five days with treatment.