What is the appropriate nursing action regarding dressings for a child with impetigo?

• A. Dressings are usually not indicated; undermined skin and crusts are removed after softening
• B. Dressings are always required
• C. Dressings should be applied to cover the lesion
• D. Dressings must be kept on until crusts fully heal

Answer: (A)

Impetigo is a superficial contagious skin infection, so the nursing focus is on cleansing and removing crusts rather than keeping a dressing over the lesion. Softening the crusts with warm soapy water makes them easy to lift away, which reduces the bacterial load and helps the skin heal more quickly. After crusts are removed, apply the prescribed topical antibiotic as ordered. Dressings aren’t usually needed because they can trap moisture and bacteria and delay healing. If drainage is heavy or there’s a specific reason to cover the area, a light dressing may be used temporarily, but in standard care the goal is to keep the area exposed and clean rather than dress it.