Lice infestation is common in school going children

Q: My son frequently gets scrapes and cuts while playing. What do I do?

A: Scrapes are superficial injuries that damage the skin. They may bleed and are usually contaminated with dirt.

A scrape should be washed thoroughly with soap and water even if no dirt is visible. Then apply an antibiotic ointment (Neosporin, Bacitracin). The wound should be left open; closed wounds heal slowly. If the raw area is very large, cover it with a porous gauze bandage. Check the immunisation status. If it is up to date, no further immunisation against tetanus is required.

Head injury

Q: I fell down while running and cut my scalp badly. The bleeding stopped after some time with pressure but I am worried.

A: A person with a head injury needs to be watched for 24 hours even if the injury appears mild. The symptoms of internal bleeding can be delayed. He or she should be asked questions like “What is your name?” every three or four hours to make sure everything is all right. If you have a headache, take paracetamol or ibubrufen every six to eight hours. Aspirin should be avoided as it can aggravate bleeding.

Baby with pimples

Q: My baby has yellow and white dots on the chin and tip of the nose. They are not painful but look like little pimples.

A: Little plugs of keratin can block the facial skin glands in babies. The commonest areas are the tip of the nose and chin. These are harmless and usually disappear in a few weeks. No ointment needs to be applied.

Itchy groin

Q: My groin itches around the area of the underwear elastic. It has become black and discoloured. It looks awful and is embarrassing as I tend to wiggle and scratch in public.

A: ”Jock itch” or “dhobi’s itch” is the layman’s term for tinea cruris, which causes the symptoms you have mentioned. It is a fungal infection that affects the skin of the inner thighs and buttocks. It is not serious but can be uncomfortable. For a cure,

• Bathe daily, using a TFC 15 soap like Neko

• Keep your groin area clean and dry

• Wear underwear that fits properly

• Apply plain anti fungal ointments like terbafine or clotimazole twice a day. This may need to be continued for one and a half to two months.

Head lice

Q: My son scratches his head all the time. I thought the white powder on his hair was dandruff, but now I feel it is nits. One day I saw a louse crawling on his scalp. This is so embarrassing. Please help.

A: There is nothing to be ashamed of. Head louse infestation is common in school going children because of close contact. If one person has a louse it will easily spread to all the others. The louse can also survive on bedclothes, towels and walls for short lengths of time. The infestation can then spread to the whole family. Nits stick tenaciously to the hair shafts, unlike dandruff which can be brushed off.

Treatment with lotions and shampoos containing the chemical permethrin is usually successful. They can be purchased from the pharmacy. Follow the instructions carefully. The treatment may have to be repeated several times. The whole family needs to be treated together. A fine toothed comb should be used daily to remove any remaining lice.

Dry skin

Q: My skin is very dry. It cracks and peels and then becomes irritated and inflamed. I am diabetic and so am worried about skin infections.

A: Skin tends to become dry as one ages. Immersion in water also aggravates dry skin.

• Take short baths with tepid and not hot water.

• Use a moisturising soap (such as Dove, Nivea or Pears).

• Put a tablespoon of coconut oil in the bath water.

• Pat the skin dry; do not rub hard with an abrasive towel.

• Apply moisturising cream or baby oil after the bath.

Dash diet

Q: What is the Dash diet? I was asked to take it for hypertension.

A: ”Dash” is an acronym for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. It is a diet which is an effective adjuvant (not a substitute) to medication for the treatment of high blood pressure. Basically the fat content is reduced to 500ml of a plant oil, lean meat substituted for red meat, sugar and sweetened beverages are reduced, salt is restricted to half teaspoon a day, and four to six helpings of fruits and leafy vegetables are included. Alcohol is reduced to 30ml a day (men) and 15ml a day (women). Together with some form of aerobic exercise such as walking and medication, this diet has been found to be very effective.

Dr Gita Mathai is a paediatrician with a family practice at Vellore. Questions on health issues may be emailed to her at yourhealthgm@yahoo.co.in