A child has several circular, scaly lesions on the arms and abdomen, some of which have central clearing. The primary care pediatric nurse practitioner notes a smaller, scaly lesion on the child's scalp. How will the nurse practitioner treat this child?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The presence of circular, scaly lesions with central clearing on the child's body and scalp suggest a fungal infection, most likely tinea corporis (ringworm) and tinea capitis (scalp ringworm). Treatment with oral griseofulvin for 2 to 4 weeks is the recommended approach for both types of infections. Scrapings of the lesions for fungal cultures can confirm the diagnosis, but treatment should not be delayed while waiting for culture results. Prescription-strength antifungal creams may be used as adjunctive therapy for localized tinea corporis lesions, but are not typically effective for tinea capitis. OTC antifungal creams and shampoos are usually not strong enough to treat widespread or severe fungal infections.

A Child Has Several Circular, Scaly Lesions on the Arms