After starting antibiotics for impetigo, how long should a child stay home from school or daycare?

• A. 24 hours
• B. 48-72 hours
• C. 1 week
• D. Until all crusts are removed

Answer: (B)

Impetigo is highly contagious and spreads through direct contact with infected lesions or crusts. Starting antibiotic treatment quickly reduces how contagious the child is, but the risk remains until healing progresses and crusts form. Waiting about two to three days after beginning antibiotics allows the bacteria to diminish and the lesions to crust over, which greatly lowers the chance of spreading infection at school or daycare. This timing matches common policies that aim to protect others while letting the child return once the infection is significantly less contagious. If there’s ongoing drainage, fever, or no improvement, that would warrant reevaluating with a clinician before sending the child back.