Eden DM EHPs create awareness about Impetigo in Plettenberg Bay

After an incident that occurred in one of Plettenberg Bay’s childcare facilities, Eden District Municipality’s Environmental Practitioners on 28 October 2016, embarked on a programme to create awareness about a bacterial infection named Impetigo.

The programme was held at the Bongolethu Crèche in Kwanokuthula, Plettenberg Bay.  Mr Gawie Vos, Ms Zoleka Goniwe and Ms Nokuphiwa Mbali facilitated the session, which was attended by four teachers, 50 toddlers, as well the principal, Ms Beauty Mpondo.

1. What is Impetigo?

Impetigo is a highly contagious skin condition that is most common in children. It usually occurs on the face, neck and hands of young children and infants. Children who wear diapers also tend to get it around the diaper area. The disease occurs usually following another skin condition or an infection. Impetigo is caused by two bacteria – streptococcus pyogenes and staphylococcus aureus, which is highly contagious.

2. What are the symptoms?

Impetigo symptoms can be uncomfortable and embarrassing, particularly when they are present on the face. Though the symptoms vary slightly from type to type of Impetigo, they are similar and can include: red sores that pop easily and leave a yellow crust, fluid-filled blisters, itchy rash, skin lesions and swollen lymph nodes.

3. How to prevent Impetigo?

In order to prevent Impetigo one needs to maintain good hygiene. These methods include: washing hands regularly, bathing or showering regularly, cleaning and covering any injuries to the skin.

With the children who eagerly participated in the activities and attentively listened to the facilitators, the participation of the teachers and attendance of the school principal, the programme was described as being a great success.