What should be done before and after contact with a child infected with impetigo?

• A. Thorough hand washing
• B. Don sterile gloves
• C. Use antiseptic solution on hands only after contact
• D. Wash hands only before contact

Answer: (A)

The main idea is hand hygiene before and after caring for a child with impetigo. Impetigo is highly contagious and spreads through direct contact with the lesions or with objects the child has touched. Thorough hand washing with soap and water removes the bacteria from the hands, reducing the risk of transmitting the infection to the child, other patients, staff, or surfaces. Doing it both before and after contact protects against acquiring organisms and also prevents spreading them after care is finished. Wearing sterile gloves isn’t a substitute for hand washing and is only used in specific situations; antiseptic solution after contact alone doesn’t address bacteria you may have on your hands before contact or after contact. Washing before contact and washing after contact together provides the most effective protection.