Lice, pinkeye, and 7 more back-to-school problems

The book bags are packed, the carpool is scheduled, and you’re ready for the new school year. But are you really ready? From head lice to bad breath, heading back to class can mean bugs and body issues, whatever your child’s age.

If you haven’t already, make sure your kids’ immunizations are current before summer ends. Then, brush up on these common conditions—and their treatments.

What they are: Tiny, wingless bugs that suck human blood. They can live on a person’s scalp, eyebrows and eyelashes. Adult lice look like sesame seeds; eggs are oval and located near the scalp. Head lice aren’t known to spread disease.

Symptoms: An itchy scalp—caused by bites or crawling bugs—is a telltale sign of lice. If your child is scratching their head incessantly, do a visual check for lice or eggs on the scalp and hair.

How they're spread: The most common cause of transmission is direct contact with an infected person’s hair. You can also contract lice by coming into contact with bug- or egg-infested bedding, combs, brushes, and clothing.

Treatment: Over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medications and shampoos can remove head lice. You’ll also need to clean anything the infected person’s head touched in the two days before treatment, such as bed linens and brushes. Wash bed linens and other clothes in hot water; dry on high heat. Vacuum infested carpets and furniture.

What to do: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that schools send infected kids home at the end of the day. Children can return to school after starting treatment. To prevent the possible spread of lice, kids should avoid head-to-head contact and shouldn’t share items like hats or brushes.

What it is: A pink or red inflamed eye caused by bacteria, viruses, irritants, or allergies.

Symptoms: Pain, itching, swelling, burning, discharge and redness of the eye are common conjunctivitis symptoms. You can have other symptoms depending on the cause of your conjunctivitis—whether, for example, it’s viral or bacterial.

How it’s spread: Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis spread easily. You can contract pinkeye by touching or shaking hands with an infected person or from touching a contaminated surface, then touching your eyes.

Treatment: Mild cases may get better on their own, but take your child to a healthcare provider (HCP) if symptoms get worse and/or if there’s moderate or severe pain, intense redness, blurred vision or sensitivity to light. An HCP may prescribe antibiotic drops or ointment.

What to do: Your child should stay home from school if they have symptoms and won’t be able to stay away from other people. They can return to class on an HCP’s okay following treatment. Teach your child to wash their hands often to prevent infection.

What it is: As your child goes through puberty, you may notice body odor making its debut. Girls typically begin puberty between ages 8 to 13; boys, between ages 9 to 15. And while BO may seem like no big deal, it can lead to embarrassment and self-consciousness.

What to do: If your child’s gym clothes have a noticeable scent, it’s time to have a talk about deodorant and antiperspirants. Deodorants can help mask body odors while antiperspirants control perspiration. Healthy hygiene habits like regular showers and changing clothes frequently can also help reduce odor. 

What it is: This fungal infection is caused by parasites that live on skin cells. It develops in moist places such as skin creases, the groin, in between toes, and on the nails and scalp.

Symptoms: Ringworm symptoms can vary depending on where they appear on the body. In general, ringworm is described as a discolored, scaly rash in the shape of a ring. If ringworm is on the scalp, it’ll look like a scaly, bald spot; this type of ringworm is more common in kids than it is in adults. Athlete’s foot, or ringworm on the feet, appears as red, peeling skin between the toes.

How it’s spread: Ringworm can spread through infected people and animals such as cats and dogs. Ringworm can also survive on surfaces, such as shower tile and locker room floors.

Treatment: Your HCP may suggest prescription or OTC anti-fungal creams or medications depending on the severity of your ringworm. After 48 hours of treatment, it’s no longer contagious. Ringworm of the scalp must be treated with a prescription antifungal medication.

What to do: Your child can go to school, but make sure they wear clothes that cover the infected area.

What they are: Pinworms are tiny parasites that can live in the colon and rectum. You contract pinworms when you swallow their eggs. They’re about the length of a staple and can spread easily.

Symptoms: Itching and irritation around the anus, especially at night.

How they're spread: Pinworms are spread via the fecal-oral route. If an infected person touches their anus, the eggs can stick to their fingertips. Infection can spread through hands, clothes, bedding and even food. Eggs can survive on surfaces for up to two weeks.

Treatment: Your HCP may recommend that the entire family take OTC or prescription meds. You should also wash all sheets, pajamas and underwear in hot water, and clean surfaces like toys and toilet seats, too.

What to do: While your child can still attend school, you can help them avoid reinfection by having them skip out on sleepovers during and for two weeks after treatment. To prevent infection or reinfection, kids should wash their hands often, shower before bed and change underwear daily.

What it is: Have you noticed your child has “morning breath” all day? They might not be practicing good dental hygiene. Tongue coating, gingivitis and tooth decay are all caused by a lack of brushing or flossing, which can intensify the odor and damage your kids’ oral health.

What to do: The American Dental Association recommends you help kids between the ages of 3 and 6 brush their teethwith a pea-size amount of toothpaste, two times a day. (Alternately, you can brush them yourself.) Kids over the age of 6 should brush their own teeth twice daily for at least two minutes, though you can supervise to ensure they’re doing it correctly.

What it is: About 8 in 10 teens have acne, which can zap self-confidence and cause embarrassment. Acne causes pimples, blackhead or whiteheads to form. The exact cause of acne is unknown, but hormonal changes are thought to play a role. 

What to do: If you notice acne, talk to your child’s HCP or dermatologist about the best treatment. They may prescribe creams, lotions or pills to keep acne under control and prevent scarring. In the meantime, your child should avoid touching their face and gently wash the infected area once to twice a day.

What it is: Excessive sweating, also called hyperhidrosis, usually occurs in the hands, feet, underarms, or face, and worsens during stressful situations or warm weather.

Symptoms: If your child is sweating even when it’s cold outside, or if they have difficulty holding objects or using touch screens because of perspiration, it could be hyperhidrosis.

What to do: Talk to your HCP. Non-surgical treatment options include prescription-strength antiperspirants or oral medications, low-voltage electrical therapy and even Botox. In severe cases, HCPs may recommend surgery if other treatments haven’t worked.

What it is: Mononucleosis—also called “mono” or the “kissing disease”—is an infection usually caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. Though younger kids can get it, mono typically strikes between ages 15 and 25.  

How it’s spread: Through saliva. That means kids should avoid sharing lipstick and lip balm, as well as straws, utensils, and food. Kissing someone with known mono is also ill-advised. 

Symptoms: Extreme fatigue is mono’s hallmark, but it often brings on fever, sore throat, swollen glands, headaches, and body aches, as well. Sometimes, the spleen or liver might become enlarged. Mono can be mistaken for other illnesses, like the flu. 

What to do: There’s no drug treatment to get rid of mono. It often takes about two to four weeks for the illness to pass, though it may be longer in some cases. In the meantime, kids should rest up and drink lots of fluids. OTC meds can help alleviate pain and control fever, but avoid aspirin. Ask your child’s HCP when it’s okay to return to sports or other strenuous activities.