Impetigo is  a bacterial condition which is spread by skin contact.  Impetigo often appears as a "cold sore" in the corners of the mouth and around the nose, although it can also be found on hands.  Sports equipment may also be a source of contact, if it is shared among players.  The usual treatment for simple Impetigo is to scrub the area two or three times each day and apply an antibiotic ointment.  If considerable improvement  is not  evident within three to four days, an antibiotic and more aggressive treatment may be needed, and a call to your physician is in order.

Pink-Eye is also a bacterial infection (bacterial conjunctivitis) which effects the insides of the eyelids and requires an antibiotic specific for eye infections.  Symptoms include itching or burning of the eyes and an accumulation of yellow-white matter in the corners of the eye and in the eyelashes, especially noticable when the child awakes from sleep. 

Allergies can approximate the symptoms of Pinkeye, and, as an antibiotic requires a prescription, a doctor's visit may be necessary.  The Ohio Department of Health requires that a student have been using the medication for 24 hours before returning to school.

Scabies is a skin condition caused by the scabies "itch" mite, a tiny bug which burrows under the skin, lays eggs, and burrows on to a new location.  It is contagious, and is passed from person to person  by skin contact or by the sharing of sports equipment and clothing, such as teeshirts or sweatshirts.  It was formerly called the "seven year itch", because it takes so long for the itching to subside, even after treatment.  The fine scabbed-over bites are usually first noticible on the hands and between the fingers.  The "rash" then spreads to the bend of the elbows or knees, abdomen, back, arms and legs.  It appears on  the face only in very young babies, due to the amount of oil in the skin of those older than infancy.  This also requires medication prescribed by a physician.  The usual medication is Quell lotion (Lindane) in a stronger concentration than that used for headlice.  It is also more likely to cause problems, such as convulsions, if it is misused by too frequent application.  Students are required to be treated using a physician-prescribed medication and be out of school for the duration of the treatment time, which is usually 24 hours.

Ringworm  is not a worm.  It is a fungus infection, easily contracted by skin contact or by contact with contaminated items, such as sports uniforms or gym clothes.  It gets its name from the appearance of the lesion, which begins as a small spot, then spreads outward in a circle or "ring".  The ring is usually dry and flat in the middle, surrounded by a red, slightly raised circle of small lesions. 

Ideally, diagnosis will be made by a doctor, medicine will be prescribed, and treatment will begin immediately.  However, it may be undetected for several days, if it is located in a covered area.  The condition is quite contageous and thorough washing of hands is helpful in preventing the spread.

Should the parent choose to treat this condition at home without a concrete diagnosis, anti-fungal creams are available at most pharmacies and grocery stores.  The topical antifungal cream needs to have been in use for 24 hours before the child returns to school.  If  the medication does not appear to be working well within four to six days, a physician should be consulted.