Which nursing consideration is important when caring for a child with impetigo contagiosa?

A) Apply topical corticosteroids to decrease inflammation.
B) Carefully remove dressings so as not to dislodge undermined skin, crusts, and debris.
C) Carefully wash hands and maintain cleanliness when caring for an infected child.
D) Examine child under a Wood lamp for possible spread of lesions.

A major nursing consideration related to bacterial skin infections, such as impetigo contagiosa, is to prevent the spread of the infection and complications. This is done by thorough hand washing before and after contact with the affected child. Corticosteroids are not indicated in bacterial infections. Dressings are usually not indicated. The undermined skin, crusts, and debris are carefully removed after softening with moist compresses. A Wood lamp is used to detect fluorescent materials in the skin and hair. It is used in certain disease states, such as tinea capitis.