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 Your child’s eczema is most likely not driven by food allergies. Restricting certain foods can carry potential risks, such as nutrient deficiencies and an increased risk of developing allergies. There is evidence to suggest that good eczema control can reduce the risk of developing food allergies. Hence, active daily management of eczema is…
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: Neonatal Breast Enlargement is common, seen in up to 70% of newborns, and is linked to maternal hormones. Typically appearing…
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 “why won’t my baby poop?” “what can I give my baby for constipation?” “my baby has tummy pain.” This article covers how to consider constipation in babies up to the age of one, including those in the first month of life (neonates)…
Should I Let My Child Play in the Dirt? Exploring the Link between Microbial Exposure, allergies and asthma
KEY MESSAGE Microbial exposure, including farm contacts and playing in the dirt has been shown to have potential benefits by promoting immune tolerance and which may reduce the risk of developing allergies and asthma Don’t completely ditch hygeine measures – It is important to be aware of the potential risks such as toxin producing E.…
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: A positive skin prick test result alone does not necessarily mean that a person is allergic to the tested allergen. Skin prick testing should only…
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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