A child is diagnosed with erysipelas (a contagious bacterial skin infection) and is scheduled for a routine dental cleaning soon. What should be done?

Postpone the appointment until the infection has resolved
Proceed with the cleaning as normally scheduled
Prescribe antibiotics yourself before the appointment and proceed as scheduled
Have the child wash their face with soap and water 15 minutes before the appointment and then proceed

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Correct answer: A. Postpone the appointment until the infection has resolved

Erysipelas is a contagious bacterial skin infection (typically caused by Group A Streptococcus); elective dental treatment should be postponed until the infection has resolved, similar to the general principle of deferring elective care during any active contagious infection — rather than attempting to manage the contagion risk with a quick pre-appointment hygiene measure or self-prescribing antibiotics outside the dentist's scope.

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A child is diagnosed with erysipelas (a contagious bacterial skin infection) and is scheduled for a routine dental cleaning soon. What should be done?

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