Icky Skin Problems Kids Can Catch

Just reading the words “contagious skin diseases” can make you feel itchy all over. Pools, locker rooms, contact sports and pets all offer opportunities for your kids to catch “icky” skin conditions—such as warts, ringworm and impetigo—you’d rather they didn’t bring home. Although usually harmless, these skin diseases can be uncomfortable, and can also trigger feelings of self-consciousness. 

“Kids are embarrassed about warts on their hands or face, not wanting to be teased at school,” says Yale Medicine dermatologist Christopher G. Bunick, MD, PhD. “Similarly, the thought of a fungal infection on the skin, like with ringworm, makes many parents shudder with uneasiness. And they’re genuinely scared about the spread of any bacterial skin infection like impetigo.”  

Should your child or you (yes, adults can get them, too) develop a cluster of bumps or a suspicious, scratchy rash, you may be looking for reliable medical information and some reassurance. Below, our dermatologists discuss three commonly passed-along skin diseases, how to avoid them and what treatments can clear them up.  

Impetigo is a scratchy, scabby, superficial contagious skin infection caused by either Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus bacteria. The affected areas easily break open, revealing raw, yellow-crusted sores.

“Impetigo is highly contagious, and spreads by direct person-to-person contact, or by contact with infected towels, bed sheets or clothes,” says Yale Medicine dermatologist Ilya Lim, MD. “It is much more common in children; adults usually get the infection through contact with affected children.” 

An open pathway such as a cut, scratch or a tiny crack in the skin can provide the point of entry for the bacteria. But impetigo can also get through unbroken skin just through skin-to-skin contact. This is often how children, as well as athletes who participate in contact sports like wrestling and football, acquire it.

The condition spreads easily, both on other areas of your child’s body or to other people. If the infection progresses, bullous (blistering) impetigo with fluid-filled blisters can develop. If the infection persists longer still, the next stage of the disease is ecthyma. This form of “deep impetigo” causes painful blisters and crusted sores with ulcers underneath.

Prevention: “Impetigo is more contagious than warts or ringworm,” Dr. Lim says. “Extra caution should be taken in terms of not sharing clothing or linens and practicing frequent hand-washing when a household member is affected.” Using lots of hand sanitizer and showering or bathing daily (after matches or games in particular) is recommended.

Treatment: If you suspect your child has a skin infection that could be impetigo, see a dermatologist. Mild cases can be treated with topical antibiotics. More severe cases require prescription oral antibiotics. 

In the end, if you think your child may be showing symptoms of any “icky” skin issue such as warts, ringworm or impetigo, see a dermatologist before the condition has a chance to spread.  

“All three conditions are very common,” says Dr. Bunick. “While they can undoubtedly scare parents, remember to take a deep breath and know these conditions are treatable!”   

Click here for more information about Yale Medicine's Medical Dermatology Program.