A nurse is providing teaching to the parents of a child who has impetigo. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

Impetigo is a highly contagious superficial bacterial skin infection commonly caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. It typically presents in children with honey-colored crusted lesions, often around the nose and mouth. Management focuses on preventing spread, maintaining hygiene, and using appropriate topical or systemic antibiotics. Parent education is essential to reduce transmission and promote effective healing. Rationale: A. Sealing soft toys in a plastic bag for 14 days is not a standard intervention for impetigo. While environmental hygiene is important, impetigo is primarily spread through direct contact rather than prolonged survival on objects like toys. Routine cleaning of frequently touched items is sufficient rather than prolonged isolation in sealed bags. B. Administering Acyclovir is incorrect because impetigo is a bacterial infection, not a viral infection. Acyclovir is used for herpes simplex virus infections and has no effect on bacterial skin conditions. Appropriate treatment requires antibiotics rather than antiviral therapy. C. Soaking hairbrushes in boiling water for 10 minutes is unnecessary for impetigo because the infection is not spread through fomites requiring sterilization at high temperatures. Standard hygiene measures such as washing personal items in hot soapy water are sufficient. Boiling disinfection is more relevant for certain parasitic infestations rather than bacterial impetigo. D. Applying bactericidal ointment to lesions is correct because topical antibiotics such as mupirocin or fusidic acid are commonly used to treat localized impetigo. These agents eliminate bacterial growth at the site of infection and help prevent spread to other areas or individuals. Proper application also promotes faster healing and reduces crust formation.