The first week of winter sport has certainly kept the clinic busy. Besides the injuries I have seen cases of asthma, impetigo, conjunctivitis and that whooping cough is still around.

Can I please remind everyone that with the cold weather comes colds and respiratory infections. It is important to have your asthma medication with you at school and sport. Even if you have not had an asthma attack for a number of years you still have a predisposition to an asthmatic response when you have a respiratory infection. Ventolin inhalers and spacers are held in the clinic, pool office and PE office.

Impetigo, or ‘school sores’, is a bacterial infection caused by either streptococcus (strep) or staphylococcus (staph). These bacteria live on the skin harmlessly until there is a cut or abrasion which allows the bacteria to enter and cause an infection. Occasionally impetigo will occur without any break in the skin. The areas of skin around the nose, mouth, arms and lower legs are commonly affected. Small spots fill with fluid or pus which then weep and develop honey coloured crusts. More spots can develop in the same or different areas of the body.

Impetigo is highly contagious. Hand washing and personal hygiene is very important as is not sharing items like towels. Bed linen should be changed every few days and nails kept short as it is important to not pick at the scabs.

Oral antibiotics are usually prescribed along with an antibiotic ointment. An antibacterial soap may be recommended. Sores should be covered if possible and dressings changed at least daily. Students should be kept home from school until treatment commences. Often a repeat script is needed to completely stop the infection. The skin heals well and does not scar.

Conjunctivitis is a common eye infection. Symptoms are eye redness, irritation, a discharge, swelling of the eyelids and photophobia. You remain infectious as long as there is a discharge from the eye, so stay at home for this period. Saline or cool boiled water rinses help to ease the irritation. Antibiotic eye drops can now be bought directly from the chemist without needing to visit the doctor for a prescription.

Remember whooping cough is still widespread.

Sister Margaret Bates
School Nurse