Chilblains in Children: What parents need to know
Did your child come in from the cold with red, itchy, or purple swellings on their toes or fingers? It’s likely chilblains. While they look alarming, they are rarely serious. Before you reach for the radiator, watch this 90-second essential guide: ⚡ The Chilblains “Cheat Sheet” Question The Quick Answer What is it? Inflammation from…
Blood in your baby’s poo – should you worry?
My baby is thriving but has blood in their poo – should I be worried? The answer is always check with your GP, but it depends on whether your baby is otherwise thriving! Proctocolitis means inflammation of the rectum and colon, which can show itself as blood or mucus in the baby’s stool. If is…
Eczema and Food Allergy Concerns – A Guide for Parents
Key Messages What Your GP May Do What Your GP Will Avoid When Your GP Might Refer Potential Risks of Food Exclusion References
Breast enlargement in babies and children – should you be worried?
Breast enlargement in babies and children is not that uncommon and usually do not need investigation. But you should go to see your GP to assess your child. Here is what you need to know: What your GP will check for Should my GP refer my child to a paediatrician? Your GP will seek paediatrician…
worried your baby might be Constipated? what you need to know
introduction Paediatricians often answer questions from parents about their baby’s bowel movements, including This article covers how to consider constipation in babies up to the age of one, including those in the first month of life (neonates) What does constipation mean for my baby? Babies with constipation have infrequent, difficult, or painful bowel movements which…
Should I Let My Child Play in the Dirt? Exploring the Link between Microbial Exposure, allergies and asthma
KEY MESSAGE germs are bad..AREN’t THEY? As parents, we often worry about protecting our children from germs and maintaining a clean environment. However there is evidence to suggest some exposure to microbes, including farm exposure may have health benefits by reducing rates of asthma, hayfever, and allergies in children. THE HYGEINE HYPOTHESIS The “hygiene hypothesis”…
Skin prick testing for triggers in asthma
Skin prick testing is a useful tool in identifying asthma triggers. However, false positive results can occur, and the test should be interpreted in the context of a child’s symptoms: Here are some potential targets for skin prick testing: Dog and cat allergens are common asthma triggers for individuals with pet allergies. These allergens are…
Video investigation – food sensitivity tests: science or scam?
It is been disheartening to learn from my patients that there are ongoing issues with ‘food sensitivity’ tests being marketed and sold to parents leading to children being advised to restrict their diet. I have written about this recently but wasn’t aware of the extent this is a problem globally. CBC news in America produced…
Private food allergy and intolerance tests – beware of being scammed
Key message There is no standalone test that can be used in isolation to accurately diagnose food allergy or food intolerance. Any provider who is selling you such a service is being unscrupulous The Problem Parents who are concerned that their child may have a food allergy may face long waits to see a healthcare…
Nappy rash and cradle cap and your baby – what you need to know
Nappy rash and cradle cap are common in babies but can cause distress to both baby and parents. Here are some useful resources: *there is some jargon, eg differential diagnosis is an overly fancy way of saying ‘other causes’
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Baby and Child Health 