Welcome to theFebruaryIssue of the MUSC School-Based Telehealth Nurse's Newsletter!
This issue will feature program updates as well as a Clinical Focus on Impetigo
Be sure to check out all of this important and exciting information!
Did you know?
February celebrates School-Based Health Awareness Month! We are so thankful for this program and everyone who makes it possible for students to receive access to high-quality health care!
Clinical Focus: Impetigo
What is it? Impetigo is a common highly contagious skin infection caused by Staphyloccus aureus or Group A streptococcus pyogenes.
How is it spread? It can be spread through skin to skin contact, contact with fomites such as clothes, bedding or towels. The incubation period is 1-3 days for streptococcal infection and 4-10 days for staphylococcal infection.
What are the symptoms? Classic signs and symptoms begin with small (1-2mm) red papules or pustules which become thin roofed vesicles or bulla surrounded by a narrow rim of erythema. The vesicle ruptures easily and may release a thin, cloudy yellow fluid that dries forming the hallmark honey colored crust. The sores often start on the nose or around the mouth but can be spread elsewhere. A less common form or impetigo is called bullous impetigo. In this presentation, larger blisters are noted often on the trunk or buttocks of younger children and evolve into shallow erosions surrounded by a remnant of the blister roof.
How is it diagnosed? Impetigo is diagnosed clinically. In some cases a swab for culture may be taken but this is not necessary most of the time.
How is it treated? Impetigo can clear on its own in 2-3 weeks but there is a risk of complications such as cellulitis, rheumatic fever or sepsis if it is not treated. For mild, localized infections topical antibiotics can be used. These include bacitracin or mupirocin. For widespread and more severe cases, oral antibiotics are used. Common antibiotics used to treat impetigo include Cephalexin, Augmentin and Omnicef.
How can it be prevented?
Good hygiene/hand washing
Avoid sharing towels, wash rags
Wash clothes, towels
Avoid picking at lesions
Cover lesions if possible
When can a child with impetigo return to school? They can return to school once they have been on antibiotics for 24 hours. Lesions should be covered with a watertight dressing if there is drainage. Impetigo is definitely something that can be evaluated via School-Based Telehealth (tSBH). Using tSBH can facilitate children returning to class as soon as possible. Please don't hesitate to contact us for rashes of any kind.
Event Recap: Annual School Nurse CEU Event
In case you missed the presentation on the U.S. Opioid Crisis, click the link below to login and view! The talk is FREE and you can receive 1 CEU credit of which 1 is designated to pharmacology!
