Oh the joys of parenting

My 9 year old son had what I thought was a bug bite on the back of his neck I sunday evening. Thought nothing of it.

But by today he had a nasty looking scabby sore, he had a doctors appt today for congestion anyway so we had it looked at.

Turns out it is impetigo. I'm guessing he scratched it then spent the weekend in gross lake water.

He took a bath earlier and I noticed he had owies on his bottom too, lovely!

He also has an ear infection and sinus infection
Poor guy must have been really run down to get all of this at once.

Then to top it all off he sliced his hand open pretty good tonight playing ninja with a metal broomstick. A fresh open wound is not ideal right now.

I cleaned it really good and covered it without letting him touch it.

So just how contagious is this stuff??

Everything I am reading says not to share towels, sheets, pillows, not to touch it and to keep it covered. My inner germaphobe is having a moment right now.


Of course it is in his hairline so I can't cover it.

I had to look it up. Sometimes called school sores. It sounds like contact with the sores is the biggest concern for spreading it.Maybe the lake wasnt the culprit. Good luck, I hope he kicks it quick.

He just came back and had two more small bumps coming up near it, joy!

He did share a batting helmet last week and had camp, so who knows.

Poor guy!! At least he's got his Mama looking out for him

Impetigo isn't really a big deal. From what I've seen at my work, mild cases get antibiotic cream and the kids usually go to school in a day or two and it's gone in a week. I haven't encountered a severe case, so that I'm not sure.

But, I'm also not a doctor nor a MA. But you've seen a doctor so you should be fine. It's contagious, but pretty unlikely for healthy skin to get it unless it gets in open wounds or any other orifice. Again, only from what I've seen at work.

For the hand, I'm a fan of keeping it dry. I tend to let my wounds stay uncovered with a little Neosporin or other antibiotic ointment if needed. But I would keep in your case you might want to keep it securely wrapped until his skin clears up.

Hope he's feeling better soon!

Sorry he is having all this happen!

I have seen impetigo a lot over the years with the preschool & medical clinic, fairly common, usually not much to worry about. If the area gets red, swollen, feels hot to the touch, or he gets a fever, I'd call your pediatrician. He has the ear infection so he's on an oral antibiotic, I wouldn't worry too much.

I hope he is feeling better soon!

Here's what --- I'd keep an eye on those bumps and if they start spreading or don't begin to recede soon I'd consider another doctors appt because the ghastly "multiple antibiotic resistant staph aureus" has made it's way from hospitals to the community now-- my husband (a surgeon) was just talking about that --- not to panic but keep the "mom's eye" on it.

 Quote: Jennifer Lee

My inner germaphobe is having a moment right now.

I feel so sorry for the both of you! (I can so identify with your comment )

Needless to say, I hope this passes quickly and completely!

I worried more since he has the multiple infections, getting both internal and external at once sort of set off my alarm bells.

He is on augmentin for the ear infection and bactracin for the impetigo.

I went outside this morning and found the broom handle that he had broken.

He is lucky it didn't hurt him a lot worse, it was razor sharp where it split.


Can I also just say that putting stuff on their bottoms as babies is one thing. But having your nine year old bent over making farting noises and making his little cheeks talk while your trying to do it is a whole other can of worms!!!

So how long is best to spread the antibiotics and probiotics from each other?

He is taking the oral medicine three times a day, so I am going to have to time it just right.

 Quote: Jennifer Lee

Can I also just say that putting stuff on their bottoms as babies is one thing. But having your nine year old bent over making farting noises and making his little cheeks talk while your trying to do it is a whole other can of worms!!!

Well at least we know he isn't entirely miserable