<ul><li>Children never directly get fungal infection.</li><li>Your child can get fungal infection from any member of the family who has been infected already.</li><li>Generally parents apply ointment for fungal infection on the skin surface and it gets healed in a few days but the infection under the skin is left untreated.</li><li>It is better to always consult a doctor for complete recovery from fungal infection. Doctors usually recommend oral medication plus ointment.</li><li>Fungal infections easily spread from one person to another so it is advisable that the other members in the family should also get checked and treated if needed.</li><li>The best way to avoid fungal infections is to keep your surroundings clean. Fungus usually grows where there is a source of water and humid conditions. Make sure there is no such corner in your place which provides environment for fungal growth.</li></ul>

Fungal infections are very rare among children but you can always prevent it from happening by following proper measures.

Fungal infections in children

Palak Vyas

Eczema is a non-contagious chronic skin condition wherein the child suffers from severe itching, redness, scaly rashes on arms, legs, hands or face. Eczema is also known as atopic dermatitis. Family history of allergic diseases like asthma and hay fever increases the chance of eczema in children. Causes:It is not known that what exactly causes eczema. It might be due to the difference between how each individual's body reacts to things. Symptoms of Eczema:<ul><li>Rashes on the body or in just a few areas. They may be oozing or dry.</li><li>In babies, rashes are found usually on the face and scalp.</li><li>In young children, rashes are found in the folds of elbows and knees.</li><li>Children tend to rub their skin against the bedding to relieve itching.</li></ul> Prevention:<ol><li>Use fragrance-free moisturiser. Do not let the child’s skin dry out. Apply moisturiser as often as needed. Once the child takes a bath, pat dry the child and apply the moisturiser on damp skin.</li><li>Avoid irritants. Use chemical-free detergents and soaps for your child’s clothes and bathing respectively.</li><li>Prefer 100% soft cotton fabric for the child.</li><li>Short baths at room temperature are advisable compared to long hot-water baths.</li><li>Do not use dyes or perfumes.</li><li>Avoid using fabric softener on a child’s clothes.</li><li>Look for any food/pet/pollen/dust allergies. These too can trigger eczema.</li><li>Overheating temperature, sweating and stress can also worsen the situation.</li></ol>&nbsp;Diagnosis:There are no specific tests to confirm eczema. Doctors usually examine rashes, rule out skin allergies, ask for child's and family's medical histories to conclude eczema. Treatment:Doctors can prescribe two types of medication:<ol><li>Topical: cream and ointment</li><li>Oral: pills in liquid medicine</li></ol>

Here are Eczema causes, symptoms, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

All about Eczema

Ravina Sewani

Nut allergy is usually caused by peanuts. Peanuts grow underground. Peanut allergy can sometimes trigger life-threatening reactions. The proteins found in nuts are considered dangerous by the body and in response the body triggers an immune reaction against those proteins. Peanut allergies generally stay on for life but in very rare cases, children may outgrow these allergies. Peanut allergies are severe hence even trace amounts of peanut could trigger an immune reaction posing a threat to your child.Nut allergies are also very rarely caused by tree nuts grown above ground. Common tree nuts are Almonds, Brazil nuts, Cashews, Hazelnuts, Macadamia nuts, Pecans, Pine nuts, Pistachio, Walnuts, etc. If your child has a nut allergy, it is advisable to consult your child’s paediatrician before giving him/her coconut based foods. This is because coconut belongs to tree nuts family. Symptoms:<ul><li>Nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing or dry cough</li><li>Eczema (a dry, itchy rash) or hives (reddish, swollen, itchy areas on the skin)</li><li>Redness of the skin around the mouth or eyes</li><li>Itchy mouth, ear canal or lip swelling, odd taste in the mouth</li><li>Nausea or vomiting, diarrhoea or stomach pain</li><li>Severe reactions include loss of consciousness, chest pain, turning pale, shortness of breath, trouble swallowing, or anaphylaxis.</li></ul> Diagnosis:<ul><li>Always get the diagnosis done by an expert. The doctor may recommend that your child undertake tests like skin prick test, blood test or food challenge. It is important that these tests are performed under medical supervision as these tests might trigger an allergic reaction.</li><li>Your child may develop allergies if there is a history of allergies in your family.</li></ul> Precautions:<ul><li>Always keep a habit of reading the food labels for the ingredients.</li><li>It is advisable to avoid all kinds of nuts if your child has developed allergy to one of the nuts. This is because there are risks of cross-contact and even trace amount of the nut your child is allergic to can lead to severe allergic reactions. Consult your child’s paediatrician for the same.</li><li>Inform your child's school or caretakers of the nut allergy so that they have an emergency response kit or you can provide the emergency kit to the school.</li><li>Keep an anti-allergic medicine prescribed by your child’s paediatrician handy in case of mild triggers.</li></ul> Foods to avoid:<ul><li>Cross-contact is common in the case of nut allergy so always be careful of the foods your child consumes.</li><li>Be careful of the following foods as nuts could be a hidden ingredient in them:</li><li>Cereals, breakfast bars, snacks like crackers, cookies, cakes, pastries, energy or protein bars, pancakes, egg rolls</li><li>Beverages like flavoured hot chocolate, flavoured coffee</li><li>Desserts like ice creams, frozen yogurts, chocolates, candy, fudge</li><li>Cheese, butter or oil from tree nuts or other nuts</li><li>Even personal hygiene products like shampoos, lotions, perfumes, and soaps may contain extracts from nuts</li><li>Pet food, bird seeds, compost used as fertiliser may contain peanut shells</li></ul>

Nut allergies can be of two types: tree nut allergies or underground nut allergies.

Nut allergy

If your child develops a swelling or a rash or any other allergic symptom due to medications, then it could possibly be an allergic reaction to the drug.A “true drug allergy” and “drug side effects” are both different. Side effects are usually mentioned on the packaging or on the label of the drug.A drug allergy is an immune response to a drug induced by its components which the body perceives as a threat and triggers an allergic reaction. Mild drug allergy symptoms are:<ul><li>Hives</li><li>Rash</li><li>Itchy skin</li></ul> Severe drug allergy warning signs can include:<ul><li>Swollen face</li><li>Throat tightness</li><li>Trouble breathing</li><li>Light-headed</li><li>Blisters</li><li>Reddened skin</li><li>Whole-body shock with life-threatening low blood pressure</li></ul> Side effects of drug are usually:<ul><li>Nausea</li><li>Lack of energy</li><li>Muscle aches</li><li>Hard to sleep</li><li>Coughing</li><li>Headache</li><li>Stuffy nose</li><li>Stomach cramps</li><li>Diarrhoea</li><li>Constipation</li><li>Ringing in the ears</li><li>Easy bruising</li></ul> <ul><li>Your child can develop a drug allergy even without a history of any other allergy.</li><li>It is also possible that your child may develop an allergy to a drug to which (s)he was not allergic before.</li><li>Your child’s paediatrician will diagnose your child's allergy to a drug through clinical diagnosis and allergy tests like SPT (for penicillin) or a Drug Challenge (similar to an Oral Food Challenge) under medical supervision.</li><li>For mild reactions to drug(s), your child may be given an antihistamine or a topical cream prescribed by your child’s paediatrician.</li><li>Severe reactions to a drug could be life-threatening. If you suspect a drug allergy in your child, discontinue it until further advice and seek immediate medical attention.</li><li>Make a note of the drugs your child may be allergic to and keep it handy each time you visit a doctor in the future.</li><li>If the drug your child is allergic to is essential for the child, then your child’s paediatrician may perform a rapid 'drug desensitisation' under medical supervision.</li><li>Vaccine-related drug allergy is rare and largely due to certain components in the vaccine. Alternatives will be recommended by your child’s paediatrician if your child is allergic to a component.</li></ul>

Drug allergies are not very common but it is important to stay aware.

Drug allergy

Some children may develop allergic reactions against the chemicals present in the household products like carpet flooring, paints, cleaning chemicals. Symptoms:<ul><li>Itching</li><li>Rashes</li><li>Vomiting</li><li>Diarrhoea</li><li>Swelling of the lips or tongue or face</li><li>Throat constriction</li><li>Difficulty in breathing</li><li>Allergies may sometimes also cause a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis which constricts the airway passage and requires immediate medical attention.</li></ul> Diagnosis:<ul><li>Always get your child diagnosed by a healthcare expert and never on your own. Never self-assume that your child has peanut allergy. Commercial home test kits for self-diagnosis are not recommended as they may not be of the required standards.</li><li>Your child’s paediatrician may recommend that your child undertake tests like skin prick test, blood test or food/drug challenge. It is important that these tests are performed under medical supervision as these tests might trigger an allergic reaction. Along with these tests, your child’s paediatrician will also examine your child's medical/family history, existing conditions like asthma and eczema.</li></ul> Treating allergies:<ul><li>The best way to prevent allergies of any sort in children is to avoid the source of the allergen.</li><li>In allergies, paediatricians usually prescribe antihistamine medicines for mild allergic reactions. Whereas for severe allergic reactions like anaphylaxis, your child’s paediatrician will prescribe an adrenaline auto-injector (AAI).</li></ul> The most common chemicals triggering these reactions are:<ul><li>Volatile Organic Compound (VOCs) emitted by paints, carpets</li><li>Propylene Glycol and Glycol Ethers (PGEs) in cleaning products, paints, or pesticides</li></ul> A few tips to manage allergies due to household items:<ul><li>Avoid your child's exposure to chemical products after diagnosis.</li><li>Replace chemical products with organic or natural cleaning products and avoid aerosol sprays.</li><li>If your child comes in contact with any of these allergens, wash the skin with water immediately and seek expert help from your child’s paediatrician.</li><li>Keep your indoors clean and hygienic if your child has allergies from household products.</li><li>Your doctor may recommend a calamine lotion or an antihistamine for mild reactions. Always keep it handy to treat skin inflammations arising due to chemicals in the products.</li><li>Remove the carpet flooring.</li><li>Opt for a milder paint for the house.</li></ul>

Children may sometimes develop allergy to indoor allergens as well. Hence it is important to maintain the hygiene of your house.

Carpet allergy

Relactation is when you resume breastfeeding after you have stopped it either due to medical reasons or due to separation from your baby.&nbsp;Relactation is the process of building up the milk supply after it has stopped. The younger your baby, the better are your chances of succeeding at relactation. If the baby is under 3 months old you have the best chance of succeeding. Also, if you have previously breastfed your baby, your baby will be more willing to resume the breastfeeding. The key here is to focus on your emotions of satiation and keep a positive attitude rather than worrying about not being able to build up enough milk supply. Relactation can produce enough milk to cater to your baby’s need if you are determined about it. Relactation could produce enough breastmilk to supply all of your baby's needs. In some cases, supplements may be needed. Start by putting your baby to your breast; the skin to skin contact suckling action would stimulate your hormones to produce milk. Try this skin to skin contact for at least 12 times a day with each session lasting up to 20 minutes. As your milk builds up, you still to supplement your baby with formula milk or solid foods depending on the age of your baby. If your baby is not willing to suckle an empty breast, try tube feeding with a tube attached to your nipple. You can try breast pumps too as they stimulate your body. Your doctor may prescribe medications in cases when enough milk is not being built up. Do not be discouraged if you relactation procedure was not successful. Remember, it is not your fault. You can still bond well with your baby and your baby is going to be fit and healthy.

Relactation is when you resume breastfeeding after you have stopped it because of any unavoidable reasons.

Relactation

Practically, a child can be allergic towards any vegetable but the most common are asparagus, cabbage, potatoes, carrot, cucumber, spinach, avocado. Causes: Proteins present in the fruit that the child is allergic to. Symptoms: Symptoms usually show up minutes after a child has been exposed to a vegetable that (s)he is allergic to. Sometimes, the symptoms might show up after a few hours.The symptoms include:<ul><li>Nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing or dry cough</li><li>Eczema (a dry, itchy rash) or hives (reddish, swollen, itchy areas on the skin)</li><li>Redness of the skin around the mouth or eyes</li><li>Itchy mouth, ear canal or lip swelling, odd taste in the mouth</li><li>Nausea or vomiting, diarrhoea or stomach pain</li><li>Drop in blood pressure</li><li>Severe reactions include loss of consciousness, chest pain, turning pale, shortness of breath, trouble swallowing, or anaphylaxis</li></ul> Diagnosis:<ul><li>The first thing is to not self-diagnose. Always rely on a healthcare expert's diagnosis.</li><li>A healthcare expert will examine your child's symptoms, his/her health history, and conduct other tests if required, to confirm whether your child has an allergy towards particular foods or not.</li><li>The doctor might get a blood test or a skin prick test done for your child.</li></ul> Foods to avoid:<ul><li>Raw vegetable to which the child is allergic.</li><li>Vegetable soup.</li><li>Food dishes which contain the vegetable to which your child is allergic.</li></ul> Treating allergies:<ul><li>The best way to prevent allergies of any sort in children is to avoid the source of the allergen.</li><li>In allergies, paediatricians usually prescribe antihistamine medicines for mild allergic reactions. Whereas for severe allergic reactions like anaphylaxis, your child’s paediatrician will prescribe an adrenaline auto-injector (AAI).</li></ul> Precautions:<ul><li>Develop a habit of reading the food labels for ingredients and allergy information.</li><li>Teach your child to mention about the allergy whenever (s)he goes to visit someone.</li><li>Inform your child’s school about your child’s allergy. You can also give the medicines prescribed by your child’s doctor to the school which they can use in case of sudden allergic reactions.</li><li>Be careful about the possibility of cross-contact; especially when visiting a restaurant.</li><li>Always keep the allergy medication handy for your child.</li></ul>

Not every child will have an allergy towards the same vegetable. Every child's immune system reacts differently towards different vegetables. The allergic reaction, however, is more or less the same towards any kind of vegetable.

Vegetable allergies

Samiksha Choithani

The first yellow milk (fluid) produced in the breasts is called colostrum. It is the first stage of breast milk production. Colostrum is thicker than your usual breast milk. Colostrum/yellow milk lasts until the transitional phase or mature milk is produced i.e. till the second or fifth day after the birth. Colostrum is like a child’s first immunisation, it is full of antibodies, white blood cells and other immune properties. Benefits of Colostrum for the baby are:Builds a strong immune system.Creates a tough layer on baby’s stomach and intestines to fight with germs that cause illness.It serves as a laxative that helps your baby pass the first dark stool/poop.Prevents jaundice.It is a perfect blend of nutrients to make the child’s brain, eyes and heart strong.Prevents low blood sugar in newborns. A baby should take 1-4 tablespoons of colostrum per day. Note: Do not give honey or any other food substance during birth, the first yellow milk is a great source of nutrition.

Colostrum has multiple benefits for a baby's health and should be the first food give to a baby after birth.

Colostrum and its benefits for Babies

This is how you can help your child if (s)he is afraid of injections: The fear of injections is seen in both children and adults. Infants don't have fear of injections. But a child who is 4 or 5 years old, is scared of injection because he/she understands that injections cause pain. Tell the truth: Be honest with your child. Do not lie to your child ever that injection is not going to hurt because it actually does and when they experience it they will lose trust on you. Try explaining to them the importance and benefits of injections and vaccinations. Explain it to them that it's for a safety purpose. Tell them it's going to hurt but just for a few seconds.&nbsp;Don’t give them too much time to ponder: A child might get anxious and terrified if you tell them a lot beforehand. Do not share more details about the visit. You can tell your child just before you are about to leave for the visitor if your child needs some preparation time, tell accordingly.&nbsp;Using distraction and anaesthetic cream: Numbing/anaesthetic cream can be used to ease their pain. While the doctor gives the injection, hold your child’s hand, make some funny faces, tell jokes, sing a song, etc. In short, distract them from pain.&nbsp;Leave them alone with the hospital staff if required: Sometimes when children are around their parents, they throw tantrums. The moment you leave the room, they behave properly. So leave your child with the hospital’s staff, if need be.&nbsp;Ensure immediate relief: Rub the injection site gently after injection. Use cold compressor apply an ice pack wrapped in a cloth. A small reward won’t harm: You can reward your child with a sticker, candy, his/her favourite ice-cream, bravery card or anything creative or innovative thing you can think of. Do not bribe them by saying, “You can have a treat if you get this vaccination”. Instead, you can say, “We can get a treat when your vaccination is done.” In rare cases, some children can get a syncope attack. In a syncope attack, there is a temporary loss of consciousness usually because of reduced blood flow to the brain. So the doctor always makes such a child sit or lay down on the bed before giving the injection. Make sure the child is fed properly before seeing the doctor.

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