Impetigo & Coxsackie: What Parents Need to Know
As we move through the warm summer months and into the start of the school year, our offices are seeing spikes in certain contagious conditions among children. Two of the most common culprits on the rise are impetigo and coxsackie virus. While both can be alarming for parents to see, understanding what they are, how they spread, and how to treat them can make a big difference in recovery, as well as prevention.
Impetigo: The “School Sores” Rash
What It Is:
Impetigo is a common skin infection caused by bacteria, most often Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. It’s especially common in young children, often spreading rapidly through daycares and schools. The hallmark is the appearance of red sores that break open, ooze fluid, and form a honey-colored crust.
How It Spreads:
Impetigo is extremely contagious. It spreads through direct contact with an infected sore or indirectly through items like towels, bedding, or clothing. Scratching can make it worse, spreading bacteria to other parts of the body or to other people.
Symptoms to Watch For:
- Red sores, often starting around the nose or mouth
- Honey-colored crusting as the sores dry
- Itchiness or mild discomfort
- Occasionally, swollen lymph nodes near the infection site
Treatment:
A pediatrician can usually diagnose impetigo based on appearance alone. Treatment often includes:
- Topical antibiotic ointments for small, localized patches
- Oral antibiotics if the infection is more widespread
- Gentle cleaning of affected areas with soap and water
- Keeping fingernails trimmed and hands clean to avoid further spread
Prevention Tips:
- Encourage frequent handwashing
- Avoid sharing personal items like towels or clothing
- Keep children home from school or daycare until 24 hours after starting antibiotics
When is it safe to head back to school/daycare:
- Depending on severaity, a child may return 24 hours after starting antibiotics, as long as sores are covered, there’s no new drainage, and the child feels well enough to return.
Coxsackie Virus: The Hand, Foot, and Mouth Culprit
What It Is:
Coxsackie virus is part of the enterovirus family and is the most common cause of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD). This illness is typically mild but very contagious, especially among children under age 5.
How It Spreads:
The virus is present in saliva, mucus, blister fluid, and stool of infected individuals. It spreads through:
- Direct contact with secretions
- Respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing
- Touching contaminated surfaces
Symptoms to Watch For:
- Fever, often the first sign
- Sore throat and reduced appetite
- Painful red spots or blisters on the palms, soles, and inside the mouth
- Sometimes a rash on the buttocks or legs
Treatment:
There’s no specific antiviral for coxsackie virus, it’s managed with supportive care:
- Encourage plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration (cold drinks or ice pops can help with mouth pain)
- Over-the-counter fever reducers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen (never aspirin for children)
- Soft foods that are easier to swallow
- Most children recover fully within 7–10 days.
Prevention Tips:
- Frequent and thorough handwashing
- Disinfect toys and high-touch surfaces
- Avoid close contact with infected individuals until fever is gone and blisters have healed
️When is it safe for them to return to school/daycare:
- A child can return once they are fever-free for at least 24 hours and feeling well enough to participate in normal activities.
- Blisters don’t have to be completely gone to return, but they should be dry and not actively weeping.
Can You Get Both at the Same Time?
Unfortunately, yes. In fact, it’s not uncommon for kids, especially in daycare or preschool, to catch more than one contagious illness in the same season. Because both impetigo and coxsackie virus spread easily in group settings, good hygiene practices are essential.
When to visit your local PM Pediatric Urgent Care
While both conditions are usually mild and treatable at home, you should head into your local PM if:
- The rash spreads quickly or looks infected (red, swollen, or oozing pus)
- Your child has a high fever that isn’t improving
- There are signs of dehydration (dry mouth, no tears when crying, decreased urination)
- Your child appears unusually lethargic, irritable, and/or uncomfortable
Bottom Line for Parents
Both impetigo and coxsackie virus are common, contagious, and, with the right care, temporary. The key is early recognition, proper treatment, and good hygiene to prevent spread. At PM Pediatric Urgent Care, our team can support your family with access to convenient, kid-friendly care for both conditions. We are here to help your child recover quickly and avoid passing the infection to others.
