School Sores.. contagious(sp?)??

[Jakabella]

We have a lunch for Mothers Day with DH's mum and familiy, but I was told today that DH's neph has been at home from school for the week as he has school sores.

So I am wondering if they are contagious? If so I dont want to take DD anywhere near him as I have heard it make babies quite sick.

Does anyone know info about school sores??

TIA

Kate

[AnyDream]

Yucky and highly contagious! Definitely ask them to keep the unwell child away from the healthy children until the sores are healed.

There is more info here and here.

[Mildez]

I wouldn't take any risks however my youngest DD just had a bad case of school sores and none of the rest of us caught it despite eldest DD having a bath with her and very close contact. I didn't know they were school sores to start with and expected to have them through the family but none of us got them.

[Floweryfields]

The staying healthy in childcare handbook says 'exlcude until 24 hours until antibiotic treatmetn is commenced'. Cover sores with water proof dressing.

[Jakabella]

Thanks Ladies - DH's nephew started anti-b's on Monday and motherday is Sunday - do you think he would still be contagious??

Im stuck bw a rock and a hard place - but when it comes down to it Bella is the most important thing and if she will be at risk then I will not go!!

Kate

[Chocaholic]

It should be fine as long as your nephews sores are completely covered (preferably with waterproof dressings - you can get a pack from the supermarket) and his nails are elatively short so he can't scratch anyone (which is often how it is passed on!).

DS1 had them about 2 months ago and daycare took him back 2 days after the treatment started. Treatment for him was antibiotic ointment and covering them with waterproof dressings to make sure that the germs could not come in contact with the other kids.

[ubba82]

I got my first dose of School Sores (Impetigo) about 9 years ago. They were very painful and left scars on my chin. I got another dose after DS was born and got them again in November just gone. After making me cry, I couldnt even imagine the pain it would cause a baby (or maybe Im just a sook.....) Either way, I would just keep the little boy away from DD.

[Jakabella]

Thanks Ladies.

If we keep the kids away from Bella - is there any chance of getting it from the adults that live with the little boy??

Kate

[Lulu]

I wouldn't think so, unless they had them too (going off those info sheets)

[ubba82]

Only if they have sores themselves. It is the fluid inside that is contagious. No one in my family has ever contracted school sores from me, but I am very strict with my own personal hygiene by not sharing towels, face washers, and ALWAYS washing my hands before I touch anyone or anything. They are very itchy and sore and I know I touch them so it is imperitive that I look after my own personal hygeine so I dont affect other people.

[Floweryfields]

The infection is passed from the actual stuff in the sore - it has to be touched iykwim. Once antibiotic ointment is started it is not supposed to be contageous after 24 hours. If they are also covered, you should be fine.