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Childhood Conditions

Two children playing with wooden blocks

As most parents will be aware, children often develop various illnesses and ailments. If your child suffers from any of the following you don’t need to visit our Emergency Unit or Out of Hours, and can usually receive treatment and advice from your GP or Pharmacist.  Scroll down for advice on how you can treat your child for some of these common illnesses and how long you should keep them away from nursery or school following these conditions. Alternatively you can download the “When Should I Worry” leaflet which contains useful guidance on looking after a sick child.

 


How long do I need to keep my child away from nursery or school?
 

 Condition 

Time Off 

Special Notes

Chickenpox Child can return once all blisters are crusted over – there is no need to wait for all spots to disappear. Avoid pregnant women – any contact during pregnancy should be reported to your GP or midwife. 
Conjunctivitis None  
Diarrhoea and vomiting Child can return 48 hours after last episode of diarrhoea/vomiting.  
Glandular Fever None  
Hand Foot and Mouth  None  
Headlice None  
Impetigo Until lesions are crusted and dry OR 48 hours after starting antibiotics. Antibiotics treatment speed up healing and reduces the infectious period.
Measles Four days from onset of rash. Avoid pregnant women – any contact during pregnancy should be reported to your GP or midwife.
Molluscum Contagiosum None Self limiting condition.
Ringworm Not usually required. Treatment is required.
Scabies Child can return after first treatment. Treatment is recommended for the child and all household contacts.
Scarlett Fever Child can return 24 hours after starting antibiotics.  
Shingles Exclude only if the rash is weeping and cannot be covered. Avoid pregnant women – any contact during pregnancy should be reported to your GP or midwife.
Slapped Cheek None (once rash has developed). Avoid pregnant women – any contact during pregnancy should be reported to your GP or midwife.
Threadworm None Treatment is recommended for the child and all household contacts.
Tonsillitis None There are many causes but most are caused by viruses and do not require antibiotics.
Warts and Verucca None Verrucae should be covered in swimming pools, gyms and changing rooms.

 

 

 

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