Impetigo - How does it start, how long does it last?

[AllTheGoodOnesAreTaken]

My DS got impetigo and was only diagnosed when quite advanced as I thought it was just eczema. He's now on antibiotics. How many days should he be out of school? Also, how can I recognise the signs earlier?

Check with the GP but i think he has to stay home for 4 days (until antibiotics kick in) and keep it covered (depending on where it is), it can be passed on very easily. Dd1 had it the same time as dd2 had scarlett fever (apparently they are linked/part of the sme virus). Dd1 had it on her chin and it spread fast but soon went after a couple of days of being in antibiotics.

It's caused by staph areous, which is found harmlessly on the skin or in the nasal passages, getting into broken skin.

Did the doctor tell you you can't go shopping Leroy? As that seems a bit OTT (unless your DS is in the habit of rubbing his face on unsuspecting shoppers in Tesco ).

I had no idea it was THAT infectious! I'm surprised the rest of the family don't have it (yet? )
Thanks for all the info.
Nasty nasty thing.