Young adults who were born at extremely low birth weights may be more cautious, shy, risk aversive and introverted than their normal birth weight peers, traits that could increase their risk for future psychiatric and emotional problems, according to study findings published in the July issue of Pediatrics.

Louis A. Schmidt, Ph.D., of McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, and colleagues used four well-validated personality measures to compare 71 young adults who were born at extremely low birth weights (501-1,000 grams) and had no major impairments, with 83 young adults who were born at a normal birth weight.

The researchers found that extremely low birth weight adults had significantly higher levels of shyness, behavioral inhibition, risk aversion and adherence to societal mores. They also found that extremely low birth weight adults had lower levels of sociability and emotional well-being.

“Our study highlights the need to consider multiple components of personality and how early stress can impact the developmental sequela of socioemotional and personality processes,” the authors conclude. “Future research should examine the potential differences between extremely low birth weight and normal birth weight groups on more objective theoretically derived behavioral (e.g., measures of direct behavioral observation in stressful situations) and psycho-physiological (e.g., measures of electrocortical and cardiovascular responses in resting and stressful situations) measures that are known to index underlying personality and socioemotional processes in addition to the subjective self-report measures used herein.”

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Wondering what that rash, welt, or bump on your child’s skin is? Infection, allergies, and temperature extremes are often behind the skin conditions seen in babies and children — and many are minor and easily treated. You can learn to recognize some of the most common conditions — but remember: always consult a doctor for proper diagnoses and treatment.

Ringworm

 Worms don’t cause ringworm. Instead, this skin infection is caused by a fungus living off dead skin, hair, and nail tissue. Starting as a red, scaly patch or bump, it develops into itchy red ring(s) with raised, blistery, or scaly borders. Ringworm is passed on by skin-to-skin contact with a person or animal, and by sharing items like towels or sports gear. Most ringworm infections can be treated with antifungal creams

Fifth disease (‘slapped cheek’)

 A contagious and usually mild illness that passes in a couple weeks, fifth disease starts with flu-like symptoms, followed by a face and body rash. Spread by coughing and sneezing, it’s most contagious the week before the rash appears. Treatment includes rest, fluids, and pain relievers (do not use aspirin if your child has fever), but watch for signs of more serious illness. If your child has Fifths and you are pregnant, contact your doctor.

Chickenpox

 Very contagious, chickenpox spreads easily, leaving an itchy rash and red spots or blisters all over the body. It isn’t usually serious in healthy children and once you’ve had it, you’re not likely to get it again. Most kids need only home treatment, including rest and medication, to reduce itching, fever and other flu-like symptoms. A chickenpox vaccine is recommended for children, teens, and adults who haven’t had chickenpox.

Impetigo

 A contagious infection, impetigo causes red sores or blisters that can break open, ooze, and develop a yellow-brown crust. Sores can occur anywhere on the body but usually appear around the mouth and nose. Impetigo can be spread to others through close contact or by sharing items like towels and toys. Scratching can also spread it to other parts of the body. Antibiotic ointment usually cures it. Antibiotic pills may be needed.

Warts

 Skin growths caused by contact with the contagious human papillomavirus, warts can spread from person-to-person or via contact with an object used by a person with the virus. Prevent the spread of warts by not picking them, covering them with bandages, and keeping them dry. In most cases warts are harmless, painless, and go away on their own. If they persist, treatments include freezing, surgery, lasers, and chemicals.

Heat rash (‘prickly heat’)

 The result of blocked sweat ducts, heat rash looks like small red or pink pimples. Appearing over an infant’s head, neck, and shoulders, the rash is often caused when well-meaning parents dress baby too warmly, but it can happen to any infant in very hot weather. A baby should be dressed as lightly as an adult who is resting; though their feet and hands may feel cool to the touch, this is usually not a problem.

Contact dermatitis

 Contact dermatitis is an allergic reaction caused by touching a substance, such as food, soap, or the oil of plants like poison ivy, sumac, or oak. The rash usually starts within 48 hours after exposure. Minor cases may cause mild skin redness or a rash of small red bumps, while severe reactions can cause swelling, redness, and larger blisters. Contact dermatitis is usually mild and goes away when contact with the substance ends.

Hand-foot-mouth disease (coxsackie)

 This common, contagious childhood illness starts with a fever, then painful mouth sores and a non-itchy rash with blisters on hands, feet, and sometimes buttocks and legs follow. It spreads through coughing, sneezing, and used diapers, so wash hands often when dealing with coxsackie. Home treatment includes ibuprofen or acetaminophen (do not give aspirin) and lots of fluids. Not serious, coxsackie usually goes away on its own in about a week.

Atopic dermatitis

 A chronic problem causing dry skin, intense itching, and a raised rash, some children outgrow atopic dermatitis, or have milder cases as they age. In severe cases, this non-contagious rash forms clear, fluid-filled blisters. What causes atopic dermatitis isn’t clear, but those affected may have a personal history of allergies and asthma and a sensitive immune system.

Hives (urticaria)

 Hives occur as a rash or welts and are often itchy, or may burn or sting. They can appear anywhere on the body and may last minutes or days. Hives can signal serious problems, especially if accompanied by difficult breathing. Medications like aspirin or penicillin; foods like eggs, nuts, and shellfish; food additives; temperature extremes, and infections like strep throat can cause hives. Removing the trigger often resolves the hives.

Scarlet fever

 Scarlet fever is simply strep throat with a rash. Symptoms include sore throat, fever, headache, abdominal pain, and swollen neck glands. After 1-2 days, a red rash with a sandpaper texture appears, after 7-14 days, the rash sloughs off. Scarlet fever is very contagious, but good hand washing can reduce its spread. Call your pediatrician immediately if you think your child has it, and treat with antibiotics to avoid serious complications.

Roseola Infantum (sixth disease)

 A mild, contagious illness, roseola infantum is most common in children age 6 months to 2 years, and is rare after age 4. The symptoms are respiratory illness, followed by a high fever (which can trigger seizures) for up to eight days. Fevers abruptly end and are followed by a rash of small, pink, flat, or slightly raised bumps on the trunk, then the extremities. The fever can be managed with acetaminophen (do not use aspirin).

Sourse: WebMD

The study, which analyzed autism rates in young children over a 12-year period, is the first to offer hard evidence that thimerosal plays no role in autism. Results of the study were released Monday in the Archives of General Psychiatry, a publication of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Source: San Francisco Chronicle
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Rochester researchers showed for the first time that a natural antioxidant found in grape skins and red wine can help destroy  pancreatic cancer cells by reaching to the cell’s core energy source, or mitochondria, and crippling its function. The study is published in the March edition of the journal, Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology…

Continue red wine…

Fever can be your friend. Fevers help our body to fight against viral and bacterial infections. However, it is very concerning if  fever occurs in newborns or if the child is looking and acting extremely sick.

If your child is less than 4 months of age and is experiencing a fever of 100.4 degrees or higher, they should be seen. Please call the office for an appointment or go directly to the emergency room if it is after office hours. If your child is older, you may try to decrease the fever with Tylenol or Motrin. You may also give them a tepid bath, but you should never sponge bath them with rubbing alcohol. If your child continues to experience fever, other symptoms, or is acting sick, you may call in at 714/839-8282 to speak to a nurse or schedule an appointment.