How to Contract Impetigo

Impetigo is a highly contagious bacterial skin infection that affects all ages, but is most common in children. It is spread by contact, so as kids scratch the infected area they in turn spread the bacteria by touching other things. Though it isn't a serious condition, it can make you very uncomfortable for 7 to 10 days. Taking precautions to avoid contracting the disease is the best way to save you and your family from weeks of frustration.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Antibacterial soap
• Disposable latex gloves
• Nail clippers

1. Wash your hands often using antibacterial soap. Since impetigo is spread by contact, the more often you wash your hands, the less likely you are to contract the disease.
2. Use separate towels for each family member or use paper towels temporarily if someone in the household contracts the disease. Once there's an outbreak in the house, it's very difficult to keep the bacteria from spreading to other family members and separate towels are a good defense.
3. Wash an infected person's bedding, linens and clothing separately in hot water. If the water isn't hot enough to kill all the bacteria, it could spread to other items in the wash passing the infection onto others in the household.
4. Wear gloves if applying ointment or lotion to the lesions of an infected person. Disposable latex gloves work best as you can just throw them away after each use.
5. Cut a child's fingernails if they contract the disease. They won't be able to scratch if their nails are short which will help prevent them from spreading the bacteria to other people.