$Unique_ID{BRK00651}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{What is Causing Oozing Sores on my Son's Face}
$Subject{bullous impetigo Infections Skin infection antibiotic penicillin
erythromycin Face Sore Sores blister blisters blistering}
$Volume{A-20}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What is Causing Oozing Sores on my Son's Face


------------------------------------------------------------------------------

QUESTION:  My son (who's nine) has oozing sores on his face.  I wash them
carefully, but they aren't healing.  What is causing them, and what can I do
for my son?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ANSWER:  The most common cause of blistering or oozing sores in children is
called impetigo, an infection often passed on in crowded or unsanitary
environments.  The sores are small, no larger than 1 to 2 millimeters across,
and often appear in groups on the child's face, arms or legs.  In bullous
impetigo, the sores can be much larger, up to a half-inch in diameter.
Washing alone won't clear up your son's condition; this bug has to be fought
from the inside out.  A doctor should diagnose his condition and prescribe an
appropriate antibiotic.  A penicillin injection will do the trick, but if your
son's allergic to penicillin (or just afraid of needles), erythromycin taken
in pill, capsule or liquid form for ten days is equally effective.  Don't
delay obtaining this treatment.

----------------

The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.