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Every new parent hopes that their child's health will be free of all health
complications, but a number of illnesses have been shown to afflict many
newborns on a regular basis. This article will discuss five common illnesses in
newborns, giving causes, symptoms and treatment options for each.
The rotovirus is a viral infection found in babies and young children. Symptoms
of the illness include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and fever. The virus acts by
attacking the lining of the small intestine. This results in dehydration from
excessive loss of fluids and electrolytes. Often these symptoms will last from
three to ten days. Children infected with the rotavirus can be contagious for
ten to twelve days following the first signs of diarrhea. Home treatment
consists of rest and administration of specially made electrolyte replacement
products. Examples of these include gastrolyte, pedialyte and plamalyte.
Oral thrush is an infection caused by the yeast fungus known as Candida albicans.
It is also called candidosis or moniliasis, but usually these terms describe the
appearance of infection in adults (candida albicans). Oral thrush often finds
its way into the human body when the immune system is in a weakened state.
Newborn babies are especially at risk from infections such as oral thrush. Two
specific causes of oral thrush are a reaction to antibiotics and transmission
from a mother with a yeast infection. The main symptom of oral thrush is
evidence of painful white lesions on the inside of the mouth. When oral thrush
or a yeast infection has been diagnosed, both the mother and her baby should be
treated simultaneously. The infection is usually treated with Nystatin.
Cradle cap is a common scalp and skin condition caused by excess oil production
from the scalp. Symptoms include flaky, scaly or greasy crusts on the scalp,
ears or eyebrows of an infant. Cradle cap can be treated by first loosening the
crusts. Using baby, mineral or olive oil, gently rub the the crusts for ten
minutes followed shortly by shampooing. Comb the hair in one direction with a
baby comb, carefully removing crust remnants as you go. You should then shampoo
your child's hair three times a week during the first three weeks following the
treatment. Afterwards, use the anti-dandruff shampoo once a week until the
cradle cap is completely gone. If the condition worsens or begins to look
infected you should immediately contact your pediatrician.
Cat scratch fever is a bacterial infection caused by the microorganism
Bartonella henselae. It is most often caused from a scratch or bite from a cat
or kitten. Symptoms of a cat scratch infection include small pimples forming
around the wound as it heals. These pimples can last up to a month. Your baby's
lymph nodes may become swollen and tender. Other symptoms include headache,
fever, poor appetite and fatigue. If you suspect that your child has developed
cat scratch fever, you should contact your pediatrician immediately. You can
take preventative measures by carefully cleaning scratches and bites from cats
with soap and water.
Like oral thrush, ringworm is a fungal infection of the skin. It generally
affects the scalp in a condition called tinea capitis. When the fungal infection
is present on the body it is referred to as tinea coporis. Symptoms of a
ringworm infection in infants include coin-sized scaly patches. These rashes may
be dry or moist and generally stop growing once they are an inch in diameter.
Ringworm on the scalp may look like bald spots or scaly patches with hair broken
off in the center. Sometimes ringworm is inappropriately confused with cradle
cap. Treatment for ringworm should begin by consulting with your pediatrician.
He or she will most likely suggest an over-the-counter anti-fungus cream.
Further prevention of reinfection includes carefully washing your baby's bedding
until the infection is completely cleared up.
The presence of any one of these illnesses would be cause for concern by any
parent. Thankfully, with proper attention to symptoms, consultation with a
pediatrician and careful treatment each of them can be addressed and cured. With
patience and care you will be able to return to the joy of nourishing your
healthy newborn child.
Copyright © Safe-Baby.net 2006.
Rebecca Lee is a mother of four children. She is a retired midwife and
author of articles about childbirth and newborn care.
Safe-Baby.net provides information on common
baby illnesses. |
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