There are literally hundreds of different types of skin diseases of which only some are contagious and common among children and young adults. The most common skin diseases include ringworm of the scalp and body, acne vulgaris, impetigo contagiosa, herpes simplex, warts, pediculosis, alopecia areata, carbuncles and boils, eczema, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis and dermatitis venenata. In such instances school teachers should be trained properly and know when pupils should be isolated when they present with skin lesions until a professional has made a definite diagnosis. Certain skin disorders can be prevented by applying proper cleanliness and hygiene, as this is part of a teacher's protocol to take such precautionary measures. Skin problems in children are usually highly visible and are easily treated as most of the time they are minor skin disorders where one can use over the counter or prescribed treatments of which present few medical risks.

On occasions some skin diseases can be resolved in a day or two without any specific treatment, and many of the common skin disorders can be treated with minimal discomfort such as the skin diagnosis of atopic dermatitis which is also called eczema usually common in babies and young children, although can occur at any time. Eczema causes the skin to become sensitive, itchy and very dry and may cause the skin to become red. Eczema often occurs on the upper chest, hands, neck, face and feet. Children tend to scratch which in turn causes a rash which may result in rawness and crustiness. There are several treatments which will minimize the inflammation and control the itchiness, although there is no long term cure available. Then there is parvovirus which is very contagious and is a common skin disease in children. The symptoms include typical facial rashes which may spread to the rest of the body which last for around three weeks, along with itching and fever as well as a sore throat. Children also commonly develop cute hives due to an allergic skin reaction. However, severs hives can be life threatening and cause breathing complications. Impetigo is a common bacterial infection seen in children which presents with crusty oozing sores that form between the upper lip and nose.

When children develop colds and flu and have a running nose and develop cold sores, they tend to scratch these sores which cause the infection to spread the bacteria, which in turn can lead to sores developing on other parts of the body. In such cases a dermatologist will prescribe antibiotics as well as an antibacterial cream. Most skin rashes that are common in children are treated with anti bacterial and anti fungal creams which are easily obtainable over the counter.