A nurse is reinforcing teaching about insulin administration to a school age child who has diabetes mellitus. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

A. Warts on the hands, caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), are generally benign and do not require a biopsy unless the lesion is atypical, rapidly growing, or has an unusual appearance. Routine biopsy is not indicated for common hand warts.

B. Warts are highly contagious, spreading through direct contact with the wart or contaminated surfaces. This statement is inaccurate and could lead to poor preventive measures.

C. Antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections. Warts are caused by HPV, a virus, so treatment usually involves topical agents, cryotherapy, or other procedures to remove or reduce the warts.

D. Common warts on the hands are generally painless, though they may cause discomfort if located on pressure points or if irritated. Education should include reassurance about the benign nature and typical lack of pain, as well as information on treatment options and contagiousness.

A. Seborrheic dermatitis, commonly known as cradle cap, is a benign inflammatory condition affecting the scalp of infants. It is caused by overactive sebaceous glands and possibly Malassezia yeast, not by bacteria or a systemic infection. The presence of crusty or scaly patches does not indicate the infant is ill or infected systemically.

B. Gentle washing is an important part of managing cradle cap. Shampooing with a mild, non-irritating baby shampoo helps to loosen scales and remove debris, preventing thick crust formation. Avoiding washing can allow flakes to accumulate and worsen the appearance, and does not improve the condition.

C. Cradle cap is not contagious, so there is no need for isolation. The condition does not pose a risk to family members, peers, or caregivers. Reassuring parents about this helps reduce unnecessary anxiety.

D. Applying petrolatum, mineral oil, or other emollients softens the thick, scaly patches, making it easier to gently brush or comb them away. This intervention helps reduce crusting and improves the appearance of the scalp. Following with gentle shampooing ensures scales are removed safely without irritating the infant’s skin. This approach is considered first-line, non-pharmacologic management for mild to moderate seborrheic dermatitis in infants and can often resolve the condition without medical treatment.