Which statement, if made by a parent, suggests that further treatment is needed for their child's herpes simplex infection?

The statement indicating that the child has an area on his stomach that is starting to ooze and crust suggests that further treatment is necessary for the herpes simplex infection. This observation may signify a worsening of the infection or a potential secondary bacterial infection. Oozing and crusting can indicate that the skin is not healing properly, and the presence of exudate often requires medical evaluation to assess the need for additional antiviral therapy or other interventions to prevent complications.

Other statements do not indicate a need for further treatment in the same way. The comment about the area getting smaller over time suggests improvement in the infection. The fact that the child no longer complains of pain indicates that discomfort is subsiding, which is a positive sign of healing. Lastly, having only one small blister left implies that the situation is improving, as fewer lesions typically represent a decrease in viral activity. In contrast, the presence of oozing and crusting signals that the condition may require reconsideration of the treatment plan.