Brunei: PCMF - Impetigo In The Community

We recently had a few cases of impetigo in the community. This is a common skin infection, which spreads very easily from one child to another. It usually starts as small blisters or weeping sores on the skin and can pass on quickly if children are in close contact. 

How it spreads: 

• By touching the sores or fluids from the wound 
• By sharing towels, bedding or clothes 
• Through close contact such as co-sleeping 

What families can do if their child is infected: 

• Contact PCMF through e-Consult as it allows sharing images to help us with assessment and reduce exposure 
• Alternatively, parents can call PCMF reception desk to arrange a routine appointment with a nurse or doctor. 
• Please don’t let children share towels and clothes 
• Wash the towels, clothing and bedding 
• Try to stop them touching or scratching the wound 
• Give them a shower twice a day and keep their nails short and clean 
• Keep the wound clean and covered, especially when they’re outside or around others 
• No swimming until the skin has fully healed 

Coming back to school: 

• If your child has been given cream (topical antibiotic) or medicine (oral antibiotic) from the nurse or doctor, they need to stay at home for the first 2 days after starting treatment. This gives the medicine time to start working and reduce the infection from spreading. 

E-Consult: https://seria.webgp.com/ 
PCMF Reception Desk: Through Operator +6733224101 ext 3226 Direct line: +6733224893

Information provided by Brunei HIVE.