30/01/2026
Impetigo, also known as school sores, is a common bacterial skin infection that causes sores which often start as blisters, then pop, weep and form crusts.
Unfortunately, the chances of them infiltrating your home are more likely than not, especially with going back to school.
School sores spread easily through skin-to-skin contact (hard to avoid with kids), especially when bacteria enter through broken or irritated skin - like scratches, bites, eczema or after illnesses such as chickenpox. They’re also very itchy, and scratching makes it easy for the infection to spread to others.
What’s important to know:
Children with impetigo must be kept home from school or childcare until treatment has started. Good hand washing and personal hygiene also help prevent spread.
Where to get help:
If you think your child has impetigo, your community pharmacist is a good place to start. They can assess the sores and give advice on next steps.
Chemist Care Now allows Victorians to receive some treatments at a local chemist, just like school sores, without needing to see a doctor to get a prescription first.
Give your chemist a call before you go to check what treatments are available for school sores, or if you need to book ahead.
For less complicated cases, treatment is now available at participating chemists through Chemist Care Now.
If the infection is more severe, or not suitable for treatment at the chemist, the pharmacist will refer you to a GP for care.
For more: https://go.vic.gov.au/3NxoUIU
