Impetigo =(

[anna_66]

I'm very sorry to hear this. I hope it heals fast.

I'd never heard of it before so I googled it, I understand why you find it gross...sorry

[lbaker]

I had it when I was about 10 or 11. Dr didn't know how it happened to me, only my best friend at school had it at the same time. We were both told we definately could not go to school while the sores (boils? whatever) were apparent. We didn't feel poorly and were aloud to play together so it wasn't really so dreadful in my case. Good luck. There was no mention of any pet being responsible and I had plenty at the time.

[Husky_mom]

I also had to goggle it...... sorry you have it...... hope it clears soon

this i found on the matter
Impetigo

another one

and whatever you do DON´T SCRATCH!!!.......EVER!!!......

[cassiesmom]

Impetigo is a bacterial infection of the skin. It can be very contagious. The sores are similar to chickenpox - initially weepy and then crust over, and extremely itchy. My mom has a friend who got it during cancer treatment because her immune response was down.

[Callie]

I lived on a farm and impetigo came in with a batch of new chicks we had ordered (or so it seemed). Several handlers, including me, got it. We treated the sores with ammoniated mercury 5% and they healed fairly quickly.

We were told that it is commonly in the environment and most exposures do not result in skin rashes unless there is a scratch or open sore or wound somewhere. So, it may or may not be from a specific animal. Nonetheless, I'd isolate the suspected animal for a couple of weeks and see if any lesions or hair loss (what it often does to animals who get it as the first symptom) occurs so you can avoid spreading it if the animal is the source.

We were told not to cover or bandage the sores as the air helps it dry and heal and definitely do not scratch as it will start new sores and spread it. Wash hands and scrub under nails after applying ointment with good hot soapy water and dry thoroughly to decrease problems.

Hope this helps.

Callie

[lizbud]

Do you wash your hands after playing with your new pet rat? I have
never had it but I remember my mom talking about how contagious the
disease is.

[Muddy4paws]

Thanks everyone.

Ive isolated him because hes picking on my older rat and is due to be castrated so I will get the vet to answer about if it was him or not.

I do wash my hands after I touch him too, Im trying to avoid touching them too much atm anyway, I free range them so they can explore on their own.

It is soo itchy. I've noticed that its gone down slightly from yesterday. Sadly I've been taking photos to see if it does go down.

just read the leaflet inside the ointment box and it says I can apply the cream 4 times and on the box it says 3. I think I will apply 4 tonight I feel like my skin in bubbling from underneath

Sorry to moan on, I cant talk to many other people without being told I'm diseased.. Mature friends!