Sunday, March 20, 2011
Baby Scabies
Scabies is a common itchy rash seen in children and infants that is highly contagious. It is caused by a small bug known as a mite. (The scientific name of the mite is Sarcoptes scabiei.) The female mite typically enters the skin through skin folds, such as the space between the fingers and burrows or invades the skin, forming a red "tract." She then proceeds to lay eggs in the skin, which will later hatch into larvae. The first sign of a scabies infection is usually several small (1–2 mm) red, crusty bumps on the hands and feet. The skin of infants is often more exposed and more sensitive, and, therefore, these lesions can develop into large blistering lesions or pus-filled bumps. Scabies is extremely itchy because the human immune system forms an allergic reaction to the mite and the eggs that hatch.
baby healthy food
ALWAYS consult your pediatrician prior to beginning any new food for your infant. Discuss making homemade baby food with your pediatrician and visit our Baby Solid Food Charts for information regarding what foods to introduce to baby and when. You may also wish to visit the World Health Organization, the American Academy of Pediatrics, Health Canada, Health Insite - Australia and the Department of Public Health (U.K.) to learn more about baby food and infant feeding.
ALWAYS follow the 4 day wait rule when introducing a new food to baby - offer your baby the same new food for 4 days to test for allergies to that food. This applies even when you are making homemade baby food. Never introduce more than 1 new food at a time.
ALWAYS use clean hands, clean cooking utensils, preparation surface(s), pots/pans etc when making and and preparing homemade baby food. Cleanliness and Food Safety is a MUST when making homemade baby food.
ALWAYS follow the 4 day wait rule when introducing a new food to baby - offer your baby the same new food for 4 days to test for allergies to that food. This applies even when you are making homemade baby food. Never introduce more than 1 new food at a time.
ALWAYS use clean hands, clean cooking utensils, preparation surface(s), pots/pans etc when making and and preparing homemade baby food. Cleanliness and Food Safety is a MUST when making homemade baby food.
Baby Asthma
Asthma is extremely common, but how can you tell if your baby has infant asthma when he can't even talk? Most of the 6 million children with asthma develop symptoms before the age of 6, and many begin wheezing before 1 year. It is important to diagnose infant asthma because if left untreated, inflammation can cause permanent damage to the lungs.
Diagnosing infant asthma is difficult, because infant asthma symptoms can be so subtle that you might not suspect it. Because your infant can't describe for you or your doctor how he or she is feeling, your doctor relies on your description of the symptoms as well as how your baby acts. Additionally, your doctor will also consider a family history of asthma or allergies in deciding whether your baby has infant asthma.
Diagnosing infant asthma is difficult, because infant asthma symptoms can be so subtle that you might not suspect it. Because your infant can't describe for you or your doctor how he or she is feeling, your doctor relies on your description of the symptoms as well as how your baby acts. Additionally, your doctor will also consider a family history of asthma or allergies in deciding whether your baby has infant asthma.
Baby Scabies
Scabies is a common itchy rash seen in children and infants that is highly contagious. It is caused by a small bug known as a mite. (The scientific name of the mite is Sarcoptes scabiei.) The female mite typically enters the skin through skin folds, such as the space between the fingers and burrows or invades the skin, forming a red "tract." She then proceeds to lay eggs in the skin, which will later hatch into larvae. The first sign of a scabies infection is usually several small (1–2 mm) red, crusty bumps on the hands and feet. The skin of infants is often more exposed and more sensitive, and, therefore, these lesions can develop into large blistering lesions or pus-filled bumps. Scabies is extremely itchy because the human immune system forms an allergic reaction to the mite and the eggs that hatch.
Baby Skin Rashes : What causes it?
What causes it: Diaper rash is typically caused by a trio of factors — moisture (too much), air (too little), and irritants (think everything from urine and stool to the ingredients in disposable diapers, wipes, bath products, and laundry soaps).
What you can do about it: Prevention is key, and the best way to keep diaper rash at bay is to keep your baby's bottom as clean and dry as possible, and that means lots (and lots) of diaper changes.
When you deal with a wet or poopy diaper, let baby's butt have a few minutes of fresh air, then apply a barrier ointment. Experiment to see whether a petroleum-based product (such as A&D, Aquaphor, or the cheapest option — plain old petroleum jelly) works for your baby or if a zinc-oxide cream (like Desitin, Balmex, or Triple Paste) does the trick. Be sure that his tush is totally dry before slathering it on (trapped moisture beneath the barrier cream will only make diaper rash more likely and make a bad diaper rash worse).
If a rash does develop, ramp up baby's bare-butt time to at least ten minutes (the longer, the better) before putting on a new diaper. Just place your baby on a waterproof pad or some cloth diapers, towels, or receiving blankets, and let him play (and spray) freely. A few more tush-wise tips:
Skip the wipes. Instead, wipe the area with plain water and a washcloth or cotton balls. (Baby oil on cotton balls will work for a particularly sticky poop.)
If rashes persist, try a different type of diaper or a different bath soap (like extra-gentle Cetaphil or Dove).
Consider your baby's diet. Too much juice can affect the amount of urine he produces and the pH (acidity) of his stool — and either could be the culprit. And watch out for citrus fruits, which can also create caustic poops.
When to call the doctor: If the rash doesn't start to get better in two or three days, or if blisters or pustules appear, contact your pediatrician. Some (really persistent) rashes may require a steroid cream. A bad case of intertrigo (a rash caused by the rubbing of skin on skin that can result in oozing white or yellowish pus) warrants careful cleaning and treatment with hydrocortisone cream. Persistent candidal dermatitis (which is caused by a yeast-like fungus) may need to be treated with an antifungal ointment such as Zimycan.
