The icky, itchy infections kids can get at school
Students bring home much more than macaroni art and great test grades - like things that make your skin crawl such as lice, ringworm and pink eye. "There are several highly contagious 'bugs' that can quickly infect school children and their families," states
Anthony Napoli, MD, Virtua/duPont pediatrician. "The one good thing is that they're all very curable."
Following are common childhood infections and their treatments.
Head Lice
Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)
Impetigo
Ringworm (Tinea corporis)
Head Lice
What is it? Lice are gray, wingless parasites that live on blood. The lice hatch eggs (nits) that attach to shafts of hair on the head, eyebrows and even eye lashes. Children who have lice scratch their heads vigorously.
Causes: Lice are transmitted when kids share combs, brushes, hats and ponytail holders or barrettes. Lice can also live for one to two days on a couch or chair.
Treatment: To get rid of the lice, the eggs (nits) must be removed. Several over-the-counter shampoo treatments work very well; ask your physician or pharmacist to recommend a product that kills both eggs and lice.
Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)
What is it? Pink eye can be either a viral or bacterial infection that is brought on by allergic, chemical or physical factors. Highly contagious, pink eye often results in red, watery, and itchy eyes that emit secretions that can crust and cause the eyelids to stick together.
Causes: Pink eye can occur in conjunction with a cold, though proper hand washing can help stop the spread of infection. It can also spread by sharing eye makeup.
Treatment: Your physician can prescribe antibiotic drops or ointment.
Return to day care/school: Children usually can return to school in 24 to 48 hours or after the infection has subsided.
Impetigo
What is it? Impetigo is a contagious skin inflammation caused by bacterial (streptococcal or staphylococcal) infection. The infection appears as pus-filled blisters that erupt and form yellow crusts.
Causes: Impetigo can occur when a bug bite, scrape, burn or scratch becomes infected.
Treatment: The infection can be controlled with topical antibiotic ointment, which your physician can prescribe. Keep the skin around the infection clean and expose it to air to encourage drying. If the impetigo is severe, oral antibiotics may be prescribed.
Return to day care/school: Children usually can return to school 24 hours after treatment has started.
Ringworm (Tinea corporis)
What is it? Ringworm is a fungal infection that usually appears on the skin of exposed areas such as the face, upper arms and trunk. It shows up as reddish patches that are often scaly or blistered (a similar fungal infection is athlete's foot). Ringworm on the scalp can destroy the hair shaft, resulting in bald patches.
Causes: Despite the name, it's not caused by a worm. The infection is most often transmitted by skin-to-skin contact, or the sharing of such items as combs, brushes or towels. Animals, including dogs and cats, also can transmit ringworm.
Treatment: Over-the-counter anti-fungal creams are effective in treating ringworm. Ask your physician or pharmacist to recommend a product. If the scalp is affected, your physician can prescribe an anti-fungal medication. Make sure your child bathes thoroughly with soap and water and dries off completely since fungus thrives in moist areas.
Return to day care/school: Children usually can return to school 24 hours after treatment begins.