Final answer:
Pityriasis lichenoides treatment can include antifungal treatments, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory medications. If initial therapies do not work, further examination and specific treatment based on the causative organism may be necessary. Hydrocortisone may be initially used to alleviate symptoms by reducing inflammation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Pityriasis lichenoides is a skin condition that can present difficulties in treatment as its etiology is not entirely clear, and its clinical presentation varies. However, the general approach may involve antibacterial, antifungal treatments, or anti-inflammatory medications depending on the specific manifestations and the severity of the condition. In many cases, a topical corticosteroid like hydrocortisone may be used to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms such as itching and rashes by suppressing the immune response locally. If a patient, like Sarah finds that the initial treatment is ineffective it's crucial to revisit the healthcare provider for a re-evaluation.
There may be a need to investigate the precise species of the microorganism responsible for the condition, as some may not be susceptible to standard treatment, such as certain antifungal medications designed to target different species. The microconidium, in particular, may be susceptible to specific antifungal agents. Therefore further investigation and potentially different treatments could be necessary. For types of fungal infections resistant to typical treatments, culturing and identifying the specific fungus, like in the case of Trichophyton rubrum causing ringworm, can guide targeted therapy. The same principle applies to the treatment of pityriasis lichenoides and depending on the findings alternative or additional treatments such as phototherapy, immunomodulators, or systemic medications may be needed.