A school nurse assesses a case of tinea capitis (ringworm) on a 6-year-old child. Which figure depicts the characteristic lesion of tinea capitis?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Tinea capitis is characterized by lesions in the scalp configured of scaly, circumscribed patches or patchy, scaling areas of alopecia. Generally the lesions are asymptomatic but a severe, deep inflammatory reaction may occur that manifests as boggy, encrusted lesions (kerions). Impetigo contagiosa is depicted in the figure showing the vesicular lesion around the nares area that has become vesicular. The lesions rupture easily, leaving superficial, moist erosions that tend to spread peripherally in sharply marginated irregular outlines. The exudate dries to form heavy, honey-colored crusts. The figure depicting inflammation on the cheek is cellulitis. Inflammation of skin and subcutaneous tissues is characterized by intense redness, swelling, and firm infiltration. Cellulitis may progress to abscess formation. The figure depicting "streaked blisters" surrounding one large blister is characteristic of contact dermatitis from poison ivy contact.

A School Nurse Assesses a Case of Tinea Capitis (Ringworm)