Last week, more children in the Netherlands visited their GP with impetigo than is typical for this time of year. The primary care research institute Nivel reported the trend based on data from local family doctors. For every 100,000 children aged 14 and under, 74 visited a GP with symptoms. This figure is up from 60 children during the same week last year, and 45 in 2024.
Impetigo, commonly known in Dutch as krentenbaard, is a highly contagious skin infection. It causes red bumps and fluid-filled blisters that crust over with a honey-yellow colour, primarily around the mouth and nose. The condition mostly affects toddlers and jonge children. Nivel noted that case numbers typically spike during the hot summer months, as children play closely together outdoors and the underlying Staphylococcus or Streptococcus bacteria multiply quickly in warm, humid weather. The bacteria usually enter the skin through minor cuts, insect bites, or eczema.
Although GP visits fell slightly compared to the previous week, infection rates remain historically high. Nivel cannot confirm a single definitive cause for the rise. However, the institute noted that the spike in cases directly coincided with recent peak summer temperatures recorded by the Dutch meteorological office KNMI. Health authorities advise parents to practice strict hygiene, keep children’s fingernails short to prevent scratching, and wash towels at 60°C. Children can typically return to school or daycare 48 hours after starting prescribed antibiotic cream.
@ anp | NEWS BRAINPORT
