Impetigo and Daycare: Exclusion Rules and Treatment

Updated November 2026.

Impetigo is a common bacterial skin infection in young children. It causes red sores that ooze and form honey-colored crusts, often around the nose and mouth. Under Illinois licensing rules for day care centers, a child with impetigo should stay home until 24 hours after treatment has started.

Here is how to spot impetigo, how it is treated and how to keep it from spreading.

What is impetigo?

Impetigo is caused by staph or strep bacteria getting into small breaks in the skin, such as scratches, bug bites, eczema or a runny nose that has irritated the skin. It spreads by touching the sores or the fluid from them, and by sharing towels, washcloths or toys. It is most common in children 2 to 5 and in warm weather, but it can happen any time of year.

Signs of impetigo

• Small red sores or blisters, often around the nose and mouth, or on the hands and arms
• Sores that burst, ooze and form honey-colored or yellow crusts
• Itching
• Sometimes larger fluid-filled blisters, especially in babies

Impetigo usually does not cause fever. If your child has a fever or seems sick, call your pediatrician.

Daycare rules for impetigo in Illinois

Illinois licensing rules for day care centers (23 Ill. Adm. Code 2008.310, formerly 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.310) list impetigo among the conditions that require a child to stay out of care until 24 hours after treatment begins. So:

• If the center notices sores, it may ask you to pick up your child and see a doctor.
• Start the treatment your pediatrician prescribes.
• Your child can return 24 hours after the first dose or application, if they feel well.
• Keep sores covered with a bandage or clothing when possible after returning.

Your center may ask for a note from the doctor. Ask about its policy.

How impetigo is treated

• Antibiotic ointment is often used for a small area of sores.
• Oral antibiotics may be needed if the sores are widespread or do not improve.
• Gently wash the sores with soap and water and pat dry before applying ointment, as your doctor directs.
• Finish the full course of treatment, even if the sores look better.

If medicine needs to be given at daycare, Illinois centers need your written permission and the original labeled container. See our guide to medicine at daycare in Illinois.

Stopping the spread

• Keep your child's fingernails short and clean.
• Cover sores loosely with a bandage or clothing.
• Use a separate towel and washcloth for your child, and wash them in hot water.
• Wash hands after touching the sores or applying medicine.
• Treat eczema and cuts promptly to protect the skin.

When to call the doctor

• Sores spread quickly or do not improve after a few days of treatment
• Your child has a fever or seems sick
• The skin around the sores becomes red, warm, swollen or painful
• Your baby has large blisters

For general sick-day rules, see daycare fever rules and how often daycare kids get sick.

Frequently asked questions

When can my child go back to daycare with impetigo?

In Illinois licensed centers, 24 hours after treatment has started, as long as your child feels well.

Is impetigo contagious?

Yes. It spreads by touching the sores or sharing items such as towels. Treatment and covering the sores help stop the spread.

Can impetigo go away on its own?

Sometimes, but treatment helps it heal faster and stops it from spreading. See your pediatrician.

What causes the honey-colored crust?

The crust forms when fluid from the sores dries. It is a classic sign of impetigo.

When a child gets sick at Children's Land

If a child becomes sick during the day at Children's Land, the director calls the designated adult from the Emergency Information Form, and the child rests away from the group until pickup. Learn about our program for 2- to 3-year-olds, find a location, or contact us.

Related reading: Pink Eye Daycare Policy: When Kids Can Return.