Sleuth

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What should a parent do when their child has dry skin? Read below ⬇ Dry skin among children is pretty common, with 31.11% of 1,064 children surveyed by Sleuth saying yes, they have dry skin. In line with this, here are the top causes of dry skin: 1️⃣ Soap Excessive bathing and the use of soap are the primary contributors to dry skin, often referred to as soap dermatitis. Soap eliminates the natural protective oils of the skin, and once they are gone, the skin loses its ability to retain moisture. 2️⃣ Climate Dry climate and winter weather makes dry skin worse. 3️⃣ Genetics can also play a role in dry skin. 4️⃣ Keratosis Pilaris This is characterized by dry, rough, and bumpy skin on the upper arms' back, exacerbated by the use of soaps. Treat the condition by applying moisturizing creams. 5️⃣ Pityriasis Alba This condition manifests as dry, pale spots on the face, with increased prevalence during winter and aggravated by the use of soaps. Treat the condition by applying moisturizing creams. 6️⃣ Eczema Children with eczema have very dry, itchy skin. Here are what Sleuth parents did to help relieve their child’s dry skin: ✅ Moisturize regularly Use a baby-friendly moisturizer to care for your child’s dry skin. Non-scented, hypoallergenic lotions and creams are the best choice as they are gentler on sensitive skin. ✅ Hydrate Make sure that your child is well-hydrated. Dehydration can worsen dry skin, so encourage them to drink plenty of water. ✅ Use gentle soaps Using milder, non-scented soaps or hypoallergenic bathing products designed for sensitive skin can help resolve dry skin. ✅ Limit bath time Too much time in the tub can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dry skin. Limit bath time to about 10-15 minutes and use lukewarm water instead of hot. ✅ Protect from cold During the winter season, make sure your child’s skin is well-protected from the cold and wind which can dry it out. Use scarves, hats and a good quality moisturizer. Should dry skin persist, consult your doctor. Sources: https://lnkd.in/e5XTVi-z https://lnkd.in/e9i4Fn3e

Has your child ever experienced a swollen lip? 🤔 Sleuth has found 14.63% among 547 children surveyed have had swollen lips. The sudden swelling of an uninjured lip typically results from a local allergic reaction to a substance that has come into contact with the lip. In the case of an allergic reaction, the child may also experience sensations of itching or tingling. The trigger for the reaction could be a variety of substances such as food, toothpaste, lipstick, or lip balm. Additionally, irritants like evergreen resin may come into contact with the lips through hand contact. To help relieve your child, here are some of what Sleuth parents did: 1️⃣ Identify food allergies Always pay attention to your child, especially when redness occurs. If after eating certain foods, your child may have food allergy or sensitivity. If this is the case, talk to your pediatrician about possible allergen testing or elimination diets. Foods like dairy, eggs, tree nuts, wheat, soy fish and shellfish are common culprits. 2️⃣ Gentle cleaning Use a soft, warm cloth to clean around the mouth after eating. Avoid using rough paper towels or napkins which can further irritate the skin. 3️⃣ Use a barrier cream You can apply a hypoallergenic, fragrance-free barrier cream or ointment around your child’s mouth before they eat. This will help protect the skin from irritating foods and wiping. 4️⃣ Provide foods at a suitable temperature Ensure that the food and drinks you serve are not too hot. This can protect the sensitive skin around the mouth from getting red and irritated. 5️⃣ Hydrate Make sure that your child drinks plenty of fluids. Alternatively, you may use a moisturizing lip balm to help keep the skin hydrated and lessen the tendency for irritation and dryness. Source: https://lnkd.in/eH4kJcNX https://lnkd.in/euf_8P3y

Read below to know more about children's runny nose ⬇ Runny nose is pretty common, with 36.28% of 430 parents surveyed by Sleuth who said their kids have recently had a runny nose. Because of its prevalence, here are some at-home remedies you can try to help with runny nose symptoms: 1️⃣ Saline drops/sprays These can be used to maintain hydration in the nasal lining and reduce congestion. You can find these over-the-counter at drug stores. Always use them as directed by the manufacturer or by your healthcare provider. 2️⃣ Humidifier Dry air can worsen a child’s runny nose. Using a humidifier in your child’s room, most especially at night, can help moisten the nasal passages and thin the mucus, relieving the symptoms of a runny nose. 3️⃣ Nasal aspiration Use a rubber bulb syringe or a suction device to remove mucus. This can be helpful before eating or sleeping. 4️⃣ Warm baths A warm bath can help soothe a child. This can also provide steam to help clear the nasal passages. 5️⃣ Elevating the child’s head Try to elevate the child’s head during sleep to help ease congestion. This can be done using an extra pillow or a folded towel. In case of needing medications, always check with your healthcare provider to see what over-the-counter medicines are appropriate for you. Sources: https://lnkd.in/eiZ_mASH https://lnkd.in/eJ4qwpZb

Did you know that your child can have adverse reactions to antibiotics? 🤔 A recent analysis by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals that nearly 70,000 children annually visit emergency rooms due to adverse reactions to antibiotic drugs. Most cases involve mild reactions, primarily rashes, and are often attributed to allergies. When you take your child to the pediatrician, whether it's for a potential need for antibiotics or if they are displaying symptoms of an adverse reaction to the medications, here are some things you should know: 1️⃣ Coughs and runny noses typically do not require antibiotics.  Antibiotics are generally unnecessary for coughs and runny noses, as these symptoms are commonly caused by viruses that antibiotics cannot combat. If your child's symptoms are severe, consulting a doctor is advisable, but it's important to be aware that antibiotics are unlikely to be the solution. 2️⃣ Sore throats are not treatable with antibiotics, unless your child has strep. Antibiotics are not effective for treating sore throats unless the cause is strep throat. Some parents mistakenly believe that a child's sore throat, caused by streptococci bacteria, can be treated with antibiotics. However, about 80% of sore throats are viral. It is essential for your pediatrician to conduct a strep test before considering antibiotic prescriptions. 3️⃣ Antibiotics are not effective for most ear infections. Research indicates that antibiotics are generally not recommended for most ear infections, especially in older children. Instead, treating ear infection pain with pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen is more effective. Typically, most ear infections resolve on their own within two to three days, but if symptoms persist beyond that, it's advisable to consult with a pediatrician. 4️⃣ Mild adverse reactions to antibiotics are common. Mild adverse reactions to antibiotics are frequent in children, often manifesting as mild rashes, nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting. These symptoms don't always indicate an allergy, and pediatricians may advise completing the antibiotic treatment despite these reactions. Fortunately, these side effects typically diminish or disappear as the child grows older. 5️⃣ There are clear signs of a dangerous antibiotic allergy.  Immediate medical attention is necessary if a child experiences severe symptoms after their initial antibiotic dose or when trying a new type. These include difficulty breathing, swelling or tightening of the throat, weak pulse, severe hives, or a seizure leading to loss of consciousness. Source: https://lnkd.in/evh6FR_P

Itching is one of the common conditions experienced by children. Among the 544 children surveyed by Sleuth, 17.1% said they have had Itching. Because of that, here are the home remedies for itching: 1️⃣ Apply a cold compress to itchy skin.  Soak a clean towel in warm water, then wring the towel. Apply the cold towel to the itchy skin, then apply moisturizer to the area you treated with compress. 2️⃣ Add colloidal oatmeal to your child’s bath.  You can find colloidal oatmeal at places that sell health and beauty products. To prepare, add colloidal oatmeal to running lukewarm water. Let your child soak for 10 to 15 minutes. After the bath, dry your child then apply moisturizer. 3️⃣ Soak in a bath and smear on ointment.  After your child's lukewarm bath, apply a generous coat of moisturizing ointment to their entire skin. When the skin is very itchy, opting for an eczema-friendly ointment such as petroleum jelly can offer greater relief compared to creams or lotions. For possible conditions related to itching, click here: https://lnkd.in/eqmaur25 Source: https://lnkd.in/edbspRhc

Hives, also known as urticaria, are abrupt skin bumps that often appear in children, typically on the chest, stomach, or back. While hives can be uncomfortable, they are temporary and typically do not result in scars or bruising. Sleuth surveyed 430 children of all ages, and 22.09% have had Hives. Here’s what parents did to manage their child’s hives: 1️⃣ Antihistamines These are medicines that help relieve itching and prevent new hives. It’s essential to consult with your pediatrician for the recommended dose suitable for your child’s age and weight. 2️⃣ Cold compress Put a cool, damp cloth to the affected areas to help lessen discomfort and prevent your child from scratching. 3️⃣ Avoid triggers If certain substances cause your child to break out in hives, try to avoid those triggers. These could be specific foods, physical triggers like pressure or temperature or allergens like dust or pollen. Viral or bacterial infections can also cause hives. 4️⃣ Comfortable clothing Dress your child in loose, light clothing that won’t irritate the skin and worsen the hives. 5️⃣ Keep nails trimmed To avoid complications from scratching, keep your child’s nails short and discourage them from scratching. For more info on Hives, visit the link here:  https://lnkd.in/gXVMxR88 Source: https://lnkd.in/g_Ke3RNN

Has your child ever had high fever? Whether yes or no, you might want to read this post 👇 High fever is relatively common among children. Of the 541 children surveyed by Sleuth, 30.68% have had high fever. Most fevers resolve on their own, but here are the few cases where you should visit your doctor. ‼ Fever in infants under 3 years old A serious illness in infants might manifest solely through fevers. Additionally, in newborns, a low body temperature could indicate a severe ailment. It is advisable to contact a healthcare provider if your baby experiences any fever or if their rectal temperature falls below 97.7 F (36.5 C). ‼ Your child’s fever lasts more than five days Your pediatrician may need to investigate further for underlying causes.  ‼ Your child is not acting like themselves If your child is difficult to rouse, not taking in enough liquids, isn't wetting at least four diapers a day or isn't urinating every 8 to 12 hours, it is time to call your healthcare provider. Here are what parents we surveyed did to help relieve their child's discomfort during high fever: 1️⃣ Monitor your child closely Make sure you are doing a round-the-clock temperature check on your child. If the child is eating and sleeping normally and has periods of playfulness, they most probably won’t need medical intervention. 2️⃣ Hydrate Make sure your child is drinking plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. This can be in the form of water, clear broths, or warm soups. 3️⃣ Rest Lots of rest will help the body fight infection faster. 4️⃣ Dress lightly Overdressing can lead to your child’s body overheating even more, causing the fever to persist. Dress our child in lightweight clothing, then cover them in blankets during sleep. 5️⃣ Medication If your child’s fever is causing discomfort, you may consider giving them over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). Please note that these do not cure the underlying issue causing the fever; they only alleviate the symptom (high temperature). Click the link here for conditions that may be related to high fever: https://lnkd.in/g9h32i5d Source: https://lnkd.in/gscDS-Jy

Among the 547 children from different age groups surveyed by Sleuth, 37.66% have had moderate to severe congestion. Here are some tips to help relieve your kids’ nasal congestion and keep them comfortable at home: 1️⃣ Rinse out your child’s nose with children’s saline.  A saline solution helps clear the mucus in your child’s nose, and soothe dry nasal passages. 2️⃣ Keep your child hydrated. Frequent blowing of their stuffy nose can dry out the moisture from your child’s nasal passages. One way to keep nasal tissues moist is to keep your child hydrated. Give lots of water, and encourage drinking by keeping a water bottle beside you. 3️⃣ Make sure they eat a balanced diet It’s important to give your child a balanced diet with all the nutrients they need to support their body’s growth and development. Hide veggies into your kid’s favorite dishes by blending or pureeing so they’re still eating a balanced diet even with a stuffy nose. Source: https://lnkd.in/gmJ9A9Rv

A raspy, barking cough is often a forerunner of croup. This is often caused by a viral illness that attacks the upper respiratory system, which leads to swelling of the trachea and larynx. When this happens, a telltale raspy cough is produced. Croup affects kids of all ages, and among the 511 children surveyed by Sleuth, 25.05% have had barking cough. Here’s are the top things parents do to help relieve their child’s barking cough: 1️⃣ Hydrate Make sure that you encourage your child to drink lots of fluids like water, juice and their favorite warm soup. This can help relax the throat and ease their cough. 2️⃣ Rest Enough sleep can help the body recover faster. 3️⃣ Steam Treatment Warm baths or a humidifier can help provide relief. Steam can help loosen the mucus and soothe the respiratory tract. 4️⃣ Use a Humidifier During the winter season, the air can get very dry which can worsen the cough. A cool-mist humidifier in your child’s room can help keep their oral and nasal passages moist which can reduce coughing. 5️⃣ Stick to a healthy diet Make sure to always provide your child with a healthy, balanced diet consisting of fruits and vegetables that are rich in Vitamin C, which helps boost the immune system. Want more information on barking cough? Visit the link here to learn other symptoms or behaviors to look out for with barking cough. https://lnkd.in/gvmKdVi2 Source: https://lnkd.in/gwR2T4Xn