Impetigo contagiosa, like most of the other skin diseases to be described, affects persons of all ages but is seen chiefly in children. It has no common name. While not contagious in the true sense of the word it is highly infectious.
The lesions are crusts (scabs) varying in color from yellow to dark red. They are sometimes more than an inch in diameter but usually smaller and in most cases are limited to the exposed parts of the body (face, ears, neck, and sometimes the hands), from one or two to a dozen being present ordinarily. There is practically no itching, burning, or other subjective symptom.
The disease is due to bacteria of a variety which are normally present to some extent on the skin of all persons. The bacteria gain access into the skin at the site of an abrasion, such as might occur from a scratch or a cut or as a result of picking the face with dirty finger nails. The disorder may occur as a result of a "running" nose or ear. It spreads rapidly, several lesions (sores) being present within a few days or a week after the disease is contracted. Several or all of the children in a family may become similarly affected if they use a common towel or wash cloth, play together, or have other intimate contact.
Cleanliness, particularly in the sense of free use of soap and water, and avoidance of picking at the skin are of importance in the prevention of this disease. Each child should use his own towel, wash cloth, comb, and brush. A scratch or cut should be treated as soon as possible with mercurochrome or some other non-irritating antiseptic. Although the disorder usually clears up within a week if an ammoniated mercury salve of the proper strength is used, there is no immunity established. The disorder will therefore reappear just as often as one becomes infected in the manner described. It is safer to have the child remain at home during the first three of four days of treatment than to instruct him not to associate with other children. The teacher's duty is to recognize the disease and at once remove the child who has it from contact with other children.
by Clark W. Finnerud
Common Skin Diseases of Children
