Ambulance 912HAP 9252
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Impetigo

Impetigo is an infectious bacterial skin infection. It often causes red areas, blisters or sores with yellow or honey-coloured crusts, frequently around the nose and mouth but also elsewhere. Good hygiene helps limit spread: wash hands, do not scratch crusts open, do not share towels and keep nails short. It is more common in children, but adults can get it too. Call a doctor if areas spread rapidly, are near the eyes, are very painful or recur, if someone has a weakened immune system, or if fever or feeling ill develops.

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  • Impetigo is an infectious bacterial skin infection with blisters, weeping areas and crusts.
  • It often affects the nose and mouth area but can also occur on the arms, legs or trunk.
  • Hygiene matters: wash hands, avoid scratching, use separate towels and keep nails short.
  • Areas near the eye, rapid spread, fever, significant pain or a weakened immune system are reasons to call a doctor.
  • For urgent GP care outside office hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediate threat to life.

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C
Cold soresA cold sore is usually an infection with herpes simplex virus type 1. It often starts with tingling, burning or itching on the lip, followed by blisters and crusts. The virus then stays in the body and may reactivate because of stress, sunlight, illness or tiredness. A cold sore is infectious, particularly when blisters or wet sores are present. Take extra care around the eyes, newborns and people with a weakened immune system. Cold sores are very common and nothing to be ashamed of.
A
A child with mouth blisters caused by herpesA first herpes infection can cause painful blisters and ulcers in a child's mouth. Children often drink poorly, drool more and may have a fever. Dehydration is the main immediate risk. Avoid contact with the eyes. Herpes needs particular attention in young babies and children with reduced immunity. Call a doctor for poor drinking, little urine, unusual drowsiness, eye symptoms or possible exposure in a young baby.
E
ErysipelasErysipelas is an acute bacterial infection of the skin and superficial lymphatic vessels, causing a rapidly enlarging, warm, swollen and painful red or darkened area, often with fever. Have it assessed the same day because antibiotics are needed, and call 912 for sepsis, collapse or rapidly worsening, very painful skin.