Erysipelas

My son has had Erysipelas on his ear he has finished his antibiotics and is fit and well, he ear swelling has completely gone done however he still has a little bit of fluid seepage fro is upper ear lobe and some slight crusting my question is when can he go back to school as this is a highly contagious condition, he is 4 and1/2 and was diagnosed 10 days ago.
Many thanks Stuart

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Erysipelas is a group B streptococcus infection and fat tissue is most susceptible to infection, and facial areas typically around the eyes, ears, and cheeks. It is a highly contagious disease. You can wait for a few days more till the crusting and oozing of the ears stops and then you can send him to school.
It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.