How do I care for my child recovering from a serious skin infection?

• avoid sharing towels and bedding, as infection can spread to others easily
• wash your child’s linen and clothing regularly with hot water
• cut their fingernails short and keep them clean to avoid skin breaks from scratching
• encourage all family members to wash and dry hands thoroughly, and often
• examine your child’s skin and wash any breaks in the skin with warm salty water (put a cup of warm water and half a teaspoon of salt in a basin and use a clean cloth to soak and wash the sores)
• see your GP (general practitioner) early if redness develops
• avoid sharing bath, swimming and cleaning water when your child has an infected wound
• shower your child instead of bathing them until they are better, if possible
• don’t let your child swim in unclean water when they have an open wound

Also make sure your child:

• gets plenty of sleep
• eats lots of fruit and vegetables
• washes and dries hands after the toilet and before eating

• clean the sore with warm salty water (put a cup of warm water and half a teaspoon of salt in a basin and use a clean cloth to soak and wash the sores)
• cover the sore with a fabric plaster
• check the sore daily

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When should I seek help?

You should see your GP (general practitioner) if a sore or redness:

• is the size of a 10 cent coin or larger 
• has pus
• is getting bigger
• has red streaks coming from it
• is not getting better within two days

You should see your GP urgently:

• if there is any sore or redness near your child’s eye

The postcard above is available in English, Maori, Tongan and Samoan.


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What should I watch out for with insect bites?

Insect (especially mosquito) bites are a common cause of skin infections, so:

• check your child regularly to identify insect bites early, so that bites can be treated early
• if your child is scratching insect bites, they can become infected and lead to a serious skin infection
• if an insect bite is red and may be infected, take your child to your GP (general practitioner) early for treatment
• insect bites are covered by ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation) so treatment will be at a reduced cost

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What about medication for my child?

Antibiotics

If your child has been given antibiotics:

• they must complete the whole course of antibiotics
• you cannot share antibiotics with other family members; each person needs their own
• ask your GP (general practitioner) or nurse if you have any concerns about medication

Pain relief

• ask your GP (general practitioner) or nurse for the correct dose of paracetamol – you must follow their instructions or the dosage instructions on the bottle; it is dangerous to give more than the recommended dose

If your child has had a hospital visit because of a serious skin infection, the hospital will send a letter to your GP about your child’s hospital visit. You can follow up with them if you have any questions about treatment or medication (or ask your pharmacist).

 

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How long should I keep my child home?

You should keep your child home until they have regained mobility, are not in pain and are well again.

 

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What if I need more help at home?

You may be entitled to community health worker or nurse follow-up at home, especially if:

• there is a wound that needs dressing that you cannot manage
• transport is difficult
• your child has been to hospital before for a skin infection

Please ask your GP (general practitioner) or nurse if you are eligible for additional support.

 

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Download and print brochures in several languages

This fact sheet is based on a brochure produced by the Auckland Regional Public Health Service in collaboration with the Starship Cellulitis Pathway Team. You can download and print a copy of Information for parents and caregivers about serious skin infections, in pdf format, in the following languages:

• Chinese
• English
• Maori / English
• Samoan
• Tongan

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Where to go for more information

Dermnet NZ www.dermnet.org.nz

The website of the New Zealand Dermatological Society has a wide range of information on skin conditions.

 

Skin infections website www.skininfections.co.nz/index.htm

In recent years, hospitalisations for the treatment of serious skin infections have been increasing in New Zealand. This website has been created by Wellington Regional Public Health and Auckland Regional Public Health Service to inform health professionals, community workers, schools and families about the prevention and treatment of serious skin infections.

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Acknowledgements

Starship Foundation and the Paediatric Society of New Zealand acknowledge the co-operation of the Auckland Regional Public Health Service and the Starship Cellulitis Pathway Team in making this fact sheet available to families. It is based on the brochure "Information for parents and caregivers about serious skin infections".

 

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Endorsement

This fact sheet was endorsed by PSNZ - 02/06/2006

Copyright

Fact sheets are subject to copyright. In the interests of information sharing they may be copied but acknowledgement must be given to PSNZ and Starship Foundation.
© The Paediatric Society of New Zealand and Starship Foundation 2005 - 2012

The Paediatric Society of New Zealand http://www.paediatrics.org.nz

Starship Foundation http://www.starship.org.nz