This is caused by infection of the skin by a bacterium, Staphylococcus aureus. It is very common in childhood and usually affects the face and buttocks. It has the appearance of small blisters filled with a yellowish fluid which then burst and slowly scab over. It spreads quite quickly from one part of the body to another due to scratching and this should therefore be strenuously discouraged. It can also fairly rapidly spread from person to person, and schools are therefore reluctant to admit children until the condition has cleared up.

Treatment This consists of giving antibiotics, either applied directly to the blisters as a cream or given by mouth. It is important that the child should have his own flannel and towel to minimize the risk of spread within the family.