Welcome to theFebruary Issue of the SCTA School-Based Telehealth Nurse's Newsletter!
This issue will feature program updates as well as a Clinical Focus on: Tinea Corporis (Ringworm)
Be sure to check out all of this important and exciting information!
Quick Links
Did you know about the SCTA's program request process for training, consultation, and equipment to those in South Carolina interested in developing and implementing telehealth programs? The SCTA is here to assist! Clink the button below to access the form.
The South Carolina School-Based Health Collaborative is comprised of school-based health advocates from across the state. Membership includes representatives from school-based health (brick and mortar and telehealth) programs, the SC Department of Education, local providers, major health systems, the South Carolina Telehealth Alliance, and others. The SC SBH Collaborative holds an annual meeting, distributes a bi-annual newsletter, and has two active workgroups. To become a member, please complete this survey.
February is American Heart Month, a time when we should all spend some extra time caring for our cardiovascular health. Be sure to read the steps on how you can heart month as well as view the tool kits created by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on the 2021 initiative for Hypertension Control.
How to Observe American Heart Month:
1. Take up a heart-healthy habit
2. Educate yourself
3. Get your cholesterol tested
Save the date for the annual School Nurse CEU! This will be a VIRTUAL presentation on the topic of Rashes in Children of Color by Dr. Colleen Cotton. This event will be held on March 3 at 3:00 p.m. Please click the button below to register. We can't wait for you to join us!
Meet a School-Based Telehealth Nurse Leader: Valerie McCracken, RN, BSN
My name is Valerie McCracken, BSN, RN. I currently live in and was born and raised in Hemingway, South Carolina. My husband, Jamie and I are currently empty nesters. Our son Jordan decided to follow his mom into the medical field and has just graduated with a degree in medical lab technology, which we are very proud of! My hobbies include gardening and just being outside with nature. I currently have 11 years of nursing experience. After graduating Florence Darlington Technical College in 2010, I worked at McLeod Regional Medical Center for many years in different areas including stroke, cardiac, med surg and hospice care. I can remember as a child, always wanting to be a school nurse and feel blessed to work as the school nurse in the very school I attended many years ago. I have been the Nurse at Hemingway Elementary for the past 3 years and love it! There is something very special about caring for our kids that makes our hard days so worth it. I look forward to many more years as Hemingway Elementary school nurse and feel blessed to have had the opportunity to provide better care through Telehealth and touch the lives of the children in my committee.
Clinical Focus:
Tinea Corporis (Ringworm)
What is it?
Tinea corporis, often referred to as Ringworm, is a superficial fungal infection of the skin. It is typically caused by M.canis, T.Tonsurans, T.rubrum, T. verrucosum, or T. mentagrophytes. Contrary to popular belief it is NOT caused by a worm.
How is it spread?
It is spread by contact with the dermatophyte. Transmission may be due to skin to skin contact, contact with a surface that has been contaminated with the fungus, or even contact with infected domestic animals such as kittens and puppies.
What does it look like?
Tinea corporis generally presents as single or multiple asymmetrically distributed annular lesions that may run together. These lesions are sharply circumscribed, scaly plaques with a pale center. One key finding is that the borders consist of raised vesicular, papular or pustular lesions. This raised border is a hallmark of tinea corporis and distinguishes it from similar looking lesions such as those of nummular eczema.
How is it treated?
Treatment consist of topical antifungal agents which should be used until the tinea is completely resolved. This may take 2-4 weeks. Over- the-counter treatments include Lamisil, lotrimen, and tinactin. When these are not effective, prescription antifungals may be needed.
How can it be prevented?
Good handwashing
Cover lesions
Disinfect surfaces such as mats and athletic equipment
No need to exclude from school
When should it be referred for further evaluation?
To confirm diagnosis
No improvement after 1 week of treatment
Lesions are spreading or changing character (which may indicate a different diagnosis)
The nurse or family have any concerns
School-based telehealth is an excellent option for students suspected of having ringworm. For some families, having an over the counter medication prescribed by a provider will allow for it to be covered by their insurance. In other cases, a prescription medication is warranted. Through a school-based telehealth visit, the student can be diagnosed, treated and returned to class in a timely fashion. For students studying virtually, we can also facilitate a direct to patient video visit at home.
A special shout out to Nurse Glennis Randazzo for her continued work with the School-Based Health Program. She always goes above & beyond for her students & is a true champion for the program.
Keep up the great work!
More Information on the SCTA School Based Health Program and links to the online consent forms can be found by clicking the button below!
