A common and highly contagious superficial skin infection that mainly affects children in close physical contact with one another. It is most commonly caused by Staphylococci “Staph” bacteria, but sometimes Streptococci “Strep” as well.

The infection usually appears as small pustules or blisters that rupture easily, leaving a thin honey-colored or “varnish-like” crust and red raw oozing sores on the face, especially around the nose and mouth, as well as the hands and feet. Early identification and treatment is easy to the trained eye and can prevent prolonged infection, spread of the infection, and rare systemic complications.