Quick answer: Impetigo (school sores) is a highly contagious bacterial skin infection common in young children, causing red sores that burst and form a honey-coloured crust, usually around the nose and mouth. It’s caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria and often needs medical treatment to clear fully, alongside natural support for skin healing, immune resilience and reducing recurrence.
Impetigo (School Sores) in Children: Natural Support in Brisbane
Reviewed by Shenaz Morkas, B.H.M.S. — 20+ years clinical experience, 32,000+ consultations, founder and clinical director of Morkare Natural Clinic.
Impetigo, commonly known as school sores, is one of the most common childhood skin infections seen in Brisbane families, particularly through the warmer, humid months. It’s very contagious but generally not serious, and with the right care most children recover fully within one to two weeks. At Morkare Natural Clinic, we support families managing impetigo with natural approaches focused on skin healing, immune function and reducing the chance of it coming back — working alongside your GP where antibiotic treatment is needed.
What is impetigo?
Impetigo is a bacterial skin infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. It typically enters through a break in the skin — a cut, insect bite, scratch, or an existing skin condition like eczema — and is most common on the face, particularly around the nose and mouth, though it can appear anywhere on the body.
Types of impetigo
- Non-bullous impetigo: the most common form, starting as small red sores that quickly burst and develop a distinctive honey-coloured crust
- Bullous impetigo: less common, presenting as larger, fluid-filled blisters that are slower to burst, typically on the trunk, nappy area, arms and legs
Common symptoms
- Red sores or blisters that burst and ooze a yellowish fluid
- A honey-coloured crust forming after the blisters burst
- Itching or mild discomfort around the affected area
- Spread to nearby skin or other people through direct contact
- Occasionally, swollen lymph nodes or a mild fever
Is impetigo contagious?
Yes — impetigo spreads easily through direct skin contact and via shared items like towels, clothing and bedding. Scratching the sores is one of the main ways it spreads to other parts of the body. Most childcare centres and schools require children to stay home until 24 hours after antibiotic treatment has started, or until sores have healed if untreated.
Our natural approach to supporting impetigo recovery
Impetigo often responds well to appropriate medical treatment, and in many cases a GP will recommend a topical or oral antibiotic to clear the bacterial infection. Alongside this, our naturopaths and homeopaths focus on:
- Skin healing support: gentle, traditionally used natural approaches to support the skin’s healing process once treatment has begun
- Immune resilience: nutrition and lifestyle support to help your child’s immune system manage the infection and recover well
- Reducing recurrence: for children who develop impetigo repeatedly, we look at skin barrier health, gut-skin connection and any underlying skin conditions (such as eczema) that may make the skin more vulnerable to bacterial entry
- Hygiene and household guidance: practical steps to reduce spread to siblings and other household members while your child recovers
Children with eczema or other compromised skin barriers can be more prone to impetigo, so if this sounds familiar it may be worth exploring alongside our children’s skin health support or as part of a broader Child Immune Hub assessment.
When to see your GP
Impetigo often requires antibiotic treatment to clear fully and reduce the risk of spreading to others. See your GP if sores are spreading, your child has a fever, the area becomes increasingly red, warm or swollen, or sores don’t start improving within a few days of home care. Our team works alongside your GP rather than in place of medical treatment when it’s needed.
Frequently asked questions
How long does impetigo take to clear up?
With appropriate treatment, impetigo usually starts improving within a few days and clears within 7–10 days. Left untreated, it can take longer and carries a higher risk of spreading to other areas or people.
Does impetigo always need antibiotics?
Many cases are treated with a topical or oral antibiotic prescribed by a GP, particularly to reduce spread and speed healing. Your GP will assess the extent and severity of the infection to recommend the right approach.
Can homeopathy or naturopathy help with impetigo?
Homeopathic and naturopathic approaches are traditionally used to support skin healing and immune resilience alongside medical treatment, particularly for children who experience impetigo repeatedly. They are not a substitute for antibiotic treatment when a GP has recommended it.
Why does my child keep getting impetigo?
Recurrent impetigo is often linked to an underlying skin barrier issue such as eczema, ongoing minor skin trauma (scratches, insect bites), or close contact with other affected children through childcare or school. Addressing the underlying skin health, rather than just the infection itself, is often key to breaking the cycle.
Is impetigo the same as school sores?
Yes, “school sores” is the common Australian term for impetigo, named for how easily it spreads among children in childcare and school settings.
Explore related support
At Morkare Natural Clinic:
- Paediatric Naturopath Brisbane — book a consultation for your child
- Children’s skin health
- Recurring infections in children
- Hand, foot and mouth disease
- Enlarged tonsils and adenoids
Shop natural remedies at Naturepathics:
Book a Paediatric Naturopath Consultation
This information is general and educational only and does not constitute medical advice. It is not a substitute for consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a qualified healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your GP regarding your child’s health, particularly for suspected bacterial infections.