Primary Care

How to get rid of impetigo (school sores)

Impetigo is bacterial infection characterized by crusty sores, most common in children ages 2 to 6. It's highly contagious but rarely serious.

Impetigo is caused by staphylococcal (staph) or streptococcal (strep) bacteria, which can enter the skin through cuts, scrapes and scratches. Children can spread the infection by scratching their sores, then touching another part of their body or another person. The bacteria can live on surfaces, such as tables, toys, clothing and sports equipment.

Urgent Care Goshen Physicians is equipped to take care of your whole family. If your child has picked up school sores, we can quickly provide treatment to stop the sores from spreading. Visit our urgent care center on Elkhart Road or call (574) 535-1700 to treat impetigo in Goshen, IN.

What does impetigo look like?

The most common impetigo symptom is crusty sores that often look like pimples or blisters at first. When the sore breaks open, a yellowish crust develops over and around the sore.

Other signs of school sores include:

  • Red pimples
  • Fluid-filled blisters
  • Itching
  • Oozing rash with crusty yellow scabs

Impetigo treatment at Urgent Care Goshen Physicians

Our providers use antibiotics to treat impetigo. You can try over-the-counter antibiotic or prescription ointment. You may also need oral antibiotics.

Follow these steps for at-home impetigo treatment:

  • Clean the affected area with soap and water.
  • Cover the area with a warm washcloth for a few minutes to help gently remove scabs.
  • Apply antibiotic ointment to sores.
  • Loosely cover the sores with bandages or gauze and tape because they need air to heal.
  • Monitor the sores. If they get worse or spread despite treatment, contact your provider.

Do you find yourself coming to urgent care often, whether for yourself or your children? Our team can connect you with a consistent primary care provider who can help maintain your health at all stages of life. Call (574) 535-1700 or find a provider online.

Urgent Care Goshen Physicians serves the people of Goshen, Elkhart, Dunlap and surrounding areas by treating school sores in Goshen, IN.