These infections are also treated with antibiotics. A child with one of these problems can return to school when his or her temperature is normal and he or she feels well enough to learn. Skin infections Some skin infections are contagious. Impetigo is a bacterial skin infection characterized by a honey-colored, crusted rash. A health care provider will prescribe antibiotic medication, and the child should stay home for 24 hours after starting treatment.
Ringworm is a fungal infection that is treated with topical creams.
Ringworm is contagious as long as the rash is there, but children with this condition may return to school if the area can be covered. Other conditions Lice and scabies are infestations that are highly contagious and pass around classrooms like wildfire. To treat these infestations, it is necessary to follow a careprovider's medication and environmental directions closely. Children should not return to school until they have been treated. It is important to encourage your child not to share clothes and hats because this helps these infections spread.