Take The Impetigo Quiz

Explanation
Children are more likely to get impetigo compared to adults because their immune systems are not fully developed. Impetigo is a highly contagious skin infection caused by bacteria, and it spreads easily through close contact. Children often have more frequent and prolonged contact with each other in schools, daycare centers, and playgrounds, increasing their chances of contracting impetigo. Additionally, children may have poor hygiene practices, such as not washing their hands regularly, which further increases their susceptibility to this infection.

Explanation
Impetigo is a highly contagious skin infection caused by bacteria. It can easily spread through direct contact with an infected person's skin or personal items such as washcloths, towels, and bedsheets. Therefore, it is incorrect to say that you cannot catch impetigo from using the same washcloths, towels, and bedsheets as someone with impetigo.

Explanation
Impetigo is a highly contagious skin infection caused by bacteria. It commonly affects areas around the nose and mouth, as well as the hands. The bacteria can easily spread through direct contact or by touching contaminated objects. Therefore, the statement that common sites for impetigo are around the nose and mouth and on hands is true.

Explanation
Impetigo is a highly contagious skin infection caused by bacteria. Cutting a child's fingernails short can help prevent the spread of impetigo because it reduces the surface area where the bacteria can reside. Shorter nails also make it easier to clean and disinfect the hands, reducing the chances of transferring the infection to other parts of the body or to other people. Therefore, cutting a child's fingernails short is recommended if he/she has impetigo, making the statement "True" correct.

Explanation
Keeping the impetigo sores covered with clean gauze bandages is a good idea because it helps prevent the spread of infection. Impetigo is a highly contagious skin infection caused by bacteria, and covering the sores with bandages helps to contain the bacteria and prevent it from spreading to others or to other parts of the body. Additionally, keeping the sores covered also protects them from further irritation or injury, allowing them to heal more effectively. Therefore, it is recommended to cover impetigo sores with clean gauze bandages.

Explanation
False. The statement is not entirely accurate. While creams or ointments available at the store can be used to treat impetigo, it is not always the best treatment option. The severity of the infection and the individual's response to different treatments can vary. In some cases, oral antibiotics may be necessary to effectively treat impetigo. Therefore, it is best to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Explanation
Scratching impetigo sores is not okay and can actually cause further problems. Impetigo is a highly contagious bacterial skin infection that causes sores and blisters. Scratching these sores can lead to the spread of the infection to other parts of the body or to other people. It can also cause the sores to become more irritated, inflamed, and prone to scarring. Therefore, it is important to avoid scratching impetigo sores and to seek appropriate medical treatment to prevent complications and promote healing.

Explanation
Impetigo is a highly contagious bacterial skin infection that can easily spread from person to person through direct contact or by touching contaminated objects. It is caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. Therefore, the statement "Impetigo is not contagious" is false.

Explanation
Medication can be prescribed by a nurse or doctor to treat impetigo, a bacterial skin infection. These medications may include topical antibiotics, such as mupirocin, or oral antibiotics, such as penicillin or erythromycin. These medications help fight the infection and promote healing. Therefore, the statement is true.

Explanation
Children should stay home from school/daycare until 48 hours after starting oral antibiotics or until the crusts have dried out. This is true because certain contagious infections, such as strep throat, require treatment with oral antibiotics to prevent the spread of the infection to others. It takes about 48 hours for the antibiotics to start working effectively and reduce the risk of transmission. Additionally, if the infection causes skin lesions or crusts, it is important to wait until these have dried out to minimize the risk of spreading the infection through contact. Therefore, it is recommended for children to stay home until these conditions are met.