I have always been in pretty good health, so I was surprised one day when my doctor told me my blood pressure was a bit high. She told me to begin watching my salt intake, start exercising, and to try to relax. Well, I intended to follow her advice when I left her office, but the next day I was back to my same habits. I kept using the salt shaker and didn't begin an exercise routine like I had planned. When I went for my next check-up, she told me that my blood pressure was even higher and approaching a dangerous level. I had to begin a blood pressure medication to manage it. I wanted to create a blog to share my story and remind people to listen to their doctors' advice. If a few lifestyle changes can improve your health, then you should make them.
As a new parent, there will be times when your baby develops conditions or problems that may cause you to worry. When this happens, you can always call your pediatrician to find out what he or she thinks, and many doctors will suggest making an appointment.
One condition your new baby may develop is peeling on his or her hands. While this is not necessarily a condition you should worry about, there are times when peeling hands could be a symptom of a more serious health condition. Here are three health issues that can cause a baby's hands to peel.
Eczema
While eczema on a baby is most commonly found on their cheeks and scalp, it can also be found on a baby's hands. Eczema is a condition that causes dry skin and typically starts before a child reaches the age of five. When children have eczema, the symptoms tend to come and go; but having this common skin condition is not serious. Approximately 20% of all babies have eczema to some degree, and a common symptom is peeling of the skin.
If the child is old enough to scratch the spots, they can worsen; however, babies typically do not scratch themselves. If they worsen, they can become red and swollen, and they can even bleed and blister. There are certain things that can trigger the eczema symptoms to appear, and this can include harsh soaps, pet dander, and other types of allergens.
If your pediatrician examines the child and diagnoses the condition as eczema, the doctor may suggest:
Eczema is considered an allergic type of disorder. It will often go away as kids grow up, but some people suffer from it their entire lives.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is another health problem that can lead to peeling on the hands, and this condition is caused by an autoimmune disorder. Psoriasis can look very similar to eczema, but it is not as common with infants as eczema. In fact, only 2% to 6% of all reported cases of psoriasis affect kids under the age of 2.
When doctors diagnose young infants with psoriasis, they may suggest using a moisturizing lotion to help the child's skin heal. In many cases, doctors prescribe steroid medications to treat psoriasis, but steroids are not typically suitable for young infants. If your child's hands are peeling, there is a very minor chance that it could be due to psoriasis.
Toxic Shock Syndrome
If your child has other symptoms other than peeling hands, there is a chance that he or she may have a more serious type of illness. For example, if your child has a fever, is acting strange, and is vomiting, the peeling on their hands might be due to a health issue that will require medical treatment. One condition the child might have is toxic shock syndrome (TSS).
TSS is a condition that was often associated with the use of tampons, but it is something that small children can also get. TSS is caused by bacteria, and doctors can usually diagnose this by taking blood samples from the child. If the tests come back as positive, your child will most likely need to go to the hospital for treatment. TSS is a very serious condition that must be treated right away, but it is also a rare condition for small children.
As a new parent, it's important to take health issues seriously. If your child develops any type of problem, even if it seems minor, you should call your pediatrician. Pediatricians know what to look for and the types of tests to run to help your child stay health. Learn more through resources like http://www.EntiraFamilyClinics.com.
Share11 August 2015
