Child Care Basics
No one knows or cares for your child as well as you do.Your knowledge and day to day nurturing will help to keep them healthy. Immunize them against the standard infectious childhood diseases and teach them sensible safety procedures. While your pediatrician is there to advise you when your gets sick or hurts themselves, it's your special touch that will
make them feel better and provide the comfort they need.
Every child gets sick from time to time,so don't think that you have failed if your child suffers an illness or ailment. When they are not feeling well you will naturally be concerned about their health,stay calm and be reassuring.
Sickness Warnings
A child who is listless and unusually quiet may be on the verge of developing other illness symptoms.Loss of appetite can alert you to possible sickness. A sore throat is the type of physical discomfort that often signals an illness.
Calling the Doctor
While each symptom on it's on may be relatively benign,use your judgment and call your pediatrician at once.
Symptoms that indicate your pediatrician should be consulted include,
unusual Lethargy or irritability,
temperature of 101 F or higher
jaundice in newborns
unexplained skin rash
vomiting or diarrhea
soreness or redness of the throat
tender,swollen neck glands,
nausea or loss of appetite.
RINGWORM
What to do?
If you think your child has ringworm of the scalp,take them to see their pediatrician who will prescribe an oral antifungal medication
ECZEMA
What to do?
Try to break your child's itch-scratch-itch cycle by cutting down on baths and the use of soaps and adding baby oil to the bathwater. Lubricate rash with moisturizing skin cream twice a day.Use a humidifier in their bedroom and dress them in light clothes consult your pediatrician about anti-itch medications and possible allergies.
HEAD LICE
What to do?
Don't feel embarrassed if your child gets lice,they are very common and do not reflect on your parenting.Buy anti-lice shampoo and wash hair thoroughly. Disinfect clothing and bedding by washing them in very hot water and ironing them. Soak all combs,brushes and barrettes in hot water and anti-lice shampoo. Examine the scalps of all other family members and inform their school teacher so their schoolmates can be checked and treated.
CONJUNCTIVTIS
Conjunctivitis,or pinkeye inflammation of the membrane that lines the inner eyelids and whites of the eyes.It is caused by a contagious bacterial infection.
What to do?
Remove dried and liquid pus from the eye with cotton balls that have been soaked in boiled water and cooled to lukewarm temperature. Consult your pediatrician.who may prescribe antibiotics eyedrops or ointments.
