10 widespread child + youngster sicknesses and cures

We rounded up the highest 10 sicknesses that infants and youngsters get (together with our personal!) and a few descriptions that will help you perceive what they’re and when to hunt therapy. Please bear in mind, that is meant for academic functions and isn’t meant to take the place of your supplier. Maintain studying to study extra!

Disclaimer: That is meant for academic and useful resource functions solely, to not diagnose or deal with your youngster. Please name your youngster’s supplier instantly if you’re involved or have questions associated to your youngster’s well being together with sickness and therapy.

1. Roseola

What’s it?
A virus generally seen in youngsters 6 months – 3 years previous
Signs:
- Excessive fever for 3-5 days (101-104 levels F)
- After the fever breaks, a particular full physique rash seems 12-24 hours later.
- Rash is flat and equal on sides of physique, generally seen on the chest, and abdomen however can unfold to legs and arms. The rash just isn’t itchy and goes away in 2-3 days.
Remedy:
- There is no such thing as a therapy for the virus.
- Administration of the fever is essential.
- Maintain your youngster hydrated and you need to use fever decreasing drugs (toddler or youngsters’s Motrin and/or Tylenol – see our sick child and toddler suggestions right here). Please contact your supplier for correct doses. Please be aware that youngsters underneath 6 months of age can not obtain Motrin (ibuprofen).
When to hunt assist:
- If rash turns into purple/blood coloured with fever- name 911 (with out fever go to ER)
- Name your pediatrician if the fever returns after the rash seems or rash lasts longer than 4 days

2. Hand Foot and Mouth Illness (HFMD)

What’s it?
A widespread, contagious virus generally seen in youngsters 6 months – 4 years previous
Signs:
- Small pink blisters and/or spots seen on the palms of fingers and backside of ft that last as long as 10 days.
- Can current with painful ulcers within the mouth or on the tongue and groin and last as long as 7 days.
- A typical place for HFMD to start out is the diaper space! See Kate’s Diaper Rash Treatment for treatment.
- Usually, it is going to be painful for infants to drink bottles/nurse
- A low grade fever may also be current for 2-3 days.
- If extreme can unfold to legs and arms.
- Finger and toenails typically will peel off after the an infection is over.
Remedy:
- There is no such thing as a therapy for the virus.
- Administration of the fever is essential.
- Maintain your youngster hydrated and may use fever decreasing drugs (Motrin and/or Tylenol – see our sick child and toddler product suggestions right here). Please contact your supplier for correct doses. Please be aware that youngsters underneath 6 months of age can not obtain Motrin (ibuprofen).
- Fluids and a delicate weight-reduction plan for individuals who have mouth ulcers. These are painful so utilizing ache relieving medicine (Tylenol or Motrin) might help.
Some methods for older infants and toddlers to remain hydrated:
- Pedialyte popsicles
- Pedialyte slushie (mix with ice)
- Clear juice (apple or pear) slushie
- Breastmilk popsicles (do this popsicle mildew)
- Antacid can be utilized to assuage mouth (1 years previous +). Contact your supplier earlier than giving. A prescription medicine known as Magic Mouth Wash may also be used if sores are inflicting important ache.
- The blisters don’t want particular therapy, nonetheless, in the event that they do open, the fluid is contagious to others. You’ll be able to cowl with Aquaphor to assist heal.

**Please be aware that adults can get HFMD!

When to hunt assist:
- Stiff neck, weak point, extreme headache, hassle strolling are all indicators to go to the ER.
- Name your pediatrician if the fever lasts greater than 3 days, youngster exhibits indicators of dehydration, is seemingly getting worse.
- Dehydration indicators in infants and toddlers: dry mouth and tongue, no tears when crying, no moist diapers for 3 hours, sunken eyes or cheeks, listlessness or irritability. Click on right here to learn extra about indicators of dehydration.

3. Ear An infection

What’s it?
- A quite common an infection within the center ear (behind the eardrum) mostly seen in youngsters 6 months – 2 years previous (nonetheless nonetheless seen in youngsters as much as age 8). Ear infections could be bacterial or viral.
- Normally related to a chilly and the ear an infection will begin round day 3 of the chilly. This an infection is NOT contagious.
Signs:
- A really painful earache.
- In youthful youngsters fussiness, disturbance of sleep, tugging at ears.
- About half will get a excessive fever with the ear an infection. Fever ought to solely final about 2 days.
- Eye drainage may also be an indication of ear infections
Remedy:
- If suspected to be bacterial, an antibiotic might be prescribed by your supplier.
- The an infection ought to begin to be higher in 2-3 days.
- Administration of the fever and ache is used with Tylenol or Motrin. Please contact your supplier for correct doses. Please be aware that youngsters underneath 6 months of age can not obtain Motrin (ibuprofen).
- You can even use a chilly compress to alleviate ache.
- Make sure that your youngster stays hydrated
  - Some methods for older infants and toddlers to remain hydrated:
    - Pedialyte popsicles
    - Pedialyte slushie (mix with ice)
    - Clear juice (apple or pear) slushie
    - Breastmilk popsicles (do this popsicle mildew)
- See our sick child and toddler product suggestions right here!
When to hunt assist:
- If youngster turns into weak and can’t stand, go to ER.
- Name supplier on the onset of the ear an infection to get a prescription for antibiotics, extraordinarily excessive fever, ache not relieved with medicine, stiff neck, or if fever lasts greater than 48 hours after beginning antibiotic.

4. Croup

What’s it?
- There are a number of sorts of croup however the commonest is brought on by a virus that impacts the larynx (voice field).
- Extreme circumstances may cause swelling of the airway.
- Lasts as much as 6 days with signs and is worse at night time. The cough can last as long as 2 weeks.
Signs:
- Barky cough (feels like a seal), fever, stridor (noisy high-pitched breathing- THIS IS SERIOUS AND YOU SHOULD CONTACT YOUR PROVIDER ASAP!)
Remedy:
- Cool mist humidifier solely – no warmth! Warmth may cause Fever decreasing drugs if above 102 levels).
- Enhance fluid consumption.
- Some methods for older infants and toddlers to remain hydrated:
  - Pedialyte popsicles
  - Pedialyte slushie (mix with ice)
  - Clear juice (apple or pear) slushie
  - Breastmilk popsicles (do this popsicle mildew)
- If severe with noisy respiration, the supplier could give an oral steroid to assist with the swelling within the airway. See our sick child and toddler product suggestions right here.
When to hunt assist:
- Extreme hassle respiration, passing out, blue coloring to lips, drooling (not resulting from teething)- name 911.
- Name physician in case your youngster has hassle respiration however not extreme, continuous coughing, fever better than 104 levels, quick respiration, chest or neck ache, otherwise you really feel your youngster may be very sick.

5. UTI (urinary tract an infection)

What’s it?
- The most typical UTI is a bacterial an infection of the bladder.
- Extra widespread in women than in boys resulting from a shorter urethra in women.
- Normally resulting from stool coming in touch with the urethra.
- Normally begins to really feel higher after 48 hours of antibiotics.
Signs:
- Burning, stinging ache with urination, urine frequency (small quantity of urine fairly often).
- Urgency (hassle holding urine).
- fever, flank ache (facet of physique under the ribs) indicating a kidney an infection.
- Foul smelling or bloody urine.
Remedy:
- Antibiotic, ache and fever decreasing drugs
- Administration of the fever and ache is used with Tylenol or Motrin. Please contact your supplier for correct doses. Please be aware that youngsters underneath 6 months of age can not obtain Motrin (ibuprofen).
- You can even use a chilly compress to alleviate ache.
- Make sure that your youngster stays hydrated
  - Some methods for older infants and toddlers to remain hydrated:
    - Pedialyte popsicles
    - Pedialyte slushie (mix with ice)
    - Clear juice (apple or pear) slushie
    - Breastmilk popsicles (do this popsicle mildew)
    - See our sick child and toddler product suggestions right here)
- Enhance fluid consumption, keep away from soaps, bubble bathtub, or shampoo close to vulva.
When to hunt assist:
- If the kid can’t stand or in case you really feel they’ve a life threatening emergency- name 911.
- If the kid can not cross urine – go to ER.
- Name physician if fever, chills, flank ache, vomiting interfering with taking antibiotic, blood in urine, signs are getting worse.

6. Diaper rash

What’s it?
- Any sort of rash or pores and skin irritation within the diaper-covering space.
- Most results youngsters age 0-3 years previous or youngsters nonetheless in diapers.
- Attributable to POOP!
Signs:
- Gentle rashes often seem as pink/reddened, dry pores and skin within the diaper space.
- Extreme rashes usually seem very pink, uncooked, open pores and skin and/or sores and typically bleeding.
- Infants with diaper rashes could also be fussy and have disrupted sleep.
- Ache with urination.
Remedy:
- Frequent diaper adjustments, take away stool (by GENTLY PATTING ((don’t rub!)) with room temperature water wipes or wash fabric) from all areas of pores and skin together with pores and skin folds
  - Think about using a washcloth, heat water and milk cleaning soap (like Mustela or Aveeno) to cleanse backside as a substitute of diaper wipes
- Expose child’s backside to air as a lot as potential
- Kate’s diaper rash treatment!, If rash is shiny pink and hasn’t improved inside 3 days, name your physician!
When to hunt assist:
- Diaper rashes which are often recurring or gained’t go away after better than 3 days
- The rash might be fungal and you will want a Rx cream
- Diaper rash accompanied by a fever, shiny pink pores and skin that peels off in sheets, open sores/blisters, your youngster is wanting/appearing very sick

7. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

What’s it?
- A viral an infection within the smallest airways within the lungs brought on by a virus known as RSV.
- That is additionally generally generally known as bronchiolitis.
Signs:
- Wheezing is the commonest symptom related to RSV.
- Quick respiration, cough, fever, runny nostril, eye drainage.
Remedy:
- Heat mist to assist with wheezing/cough
  - Examples: steam from a scorching bathe or humidifier
- Enhance fluid intake- give smaller extra frequent meals/liquid if stuffy nostril is making it onerous for them to eat/drink.
  - Some methods for older infants and toddlers:
    - Pedialyte popsicles
    - Pedialyte Slushie (mix with ice)
    - Clear juice (apple or pear) Slushie
    - Breastmilk popsicles (do this popsicle mildew)
    - See our sick child and toddler product suggestions right here.
  - Use nasal saline and suction to assist relieve congestion.
    - See our Reel for the suction trick!
When to hunt assist:
- In the event you discover your child/youngster is having hassle respiration that you must search medical consideration IMMEDIATELY (emergency room or name 911).
- Hassle respiration consists of:
  - Struggling to take a breath or shortness of breath
  - Ribs are pulling in with every breath (retractions)
  - Noisy respiration resembling wheezing
  - Quick respiration (often better than 40 breaths per minute)
  - Lips or face turning blue
- Name your physician: if fever lasts better than 3 days, coughing worsens, you watched that your youngster is dehydrated, hassle respiration however not extreme, your youngster seems to be or acts very sick

8. Impetigo

What’s it?
- Pores and skin an infection brought on by micro organism generally discovered on pores and skin.
- Examples embody a scratch or insect bites that expose pores and skin
- Extremely contagious!
Signs:
- Coin formed sores on the pores and skin coated by delicate, yellow-brown scabs.
- Scabs could drain pus or yellow fluid that appears like honey.
- Normally begin as small pink bumps after which progress into bigger dimension sores that drain and scab.
Remedy:
- Soak off scabs through the use of heat water and gentle cleaning soap.
- Apply a topical antibiotic ointment resembling Bacitracin to the sores.
  - At all times discuss to your supplier earlier than utilizing.
  - Apply a bandaid to sores to forestall any scratching and spreading.
When to hunt assist:
- Name physician now in case you notice- pink or tea coloured urine
- Fever and redness is spreading across the sores, your youngster acts or seems to be very sick.
- Notify your supplier in case your youngster has 3 or extra impetigo sores (might have oral antibiotics), the sores don’t enhance after 1 week on antibiotic ointment, the sores worsen after 48 hours on antibiotic ointment, fever or sore throat happen.

9. Pink eye

What’s it?:
- A bacterial an infection of the attention or eyes. May also be viral.
Signs:
- Pinkness within the white a part of the attention, yellow or inexperienced discharge/pus within the eye
- Dried pus on the eyelids or eyelashes, eyelids are caught/crusted along with pus after sleep
- Puffy eyelids
Remedy:
- A prescription for antibiotic eye drops is often really helpful to clear the an infection
- To take away pus:
  - Use a delicate fabric or cotton balls with heat water to softly take away pus or dried drainage
    - You should definitely wipe from the within nook of the attention to the skin and eliminate the fabric/cotton ball to keep away from spreading an infection.
    - You should definitely take away pus earlier than giving eyedrops- they gained’t be efficient if pus is in the way in which of the antibiotic attending to the attention!
When to hunt assist:
- Eyelid may be very pink or swollen, extreme eye ache, fever of 104 levels F, child is lower than 12 weeks previous with a fever, your youngster seems to be or acts very sick.
- Name your supplier if pus continues to be current after 3 days of utilizing antibiotic eyedrops.

10. The Flu – Norovirus vs. Influenza

Norovirus

What’s it?
- A gastrointestinal an infection from a virus (rotavirus is the commonest)
Signs:
- Vomiting
- Watery-loose stools
- Nausea, low urge for food
- Drowsiness however arousable
Remedy:
- Bottle fed infants:
  - Spoon or syringe feed small quantities of an oral rehydration answer (unflavored pedialyte or natural pedialyte ).
    - Contact your supplier earlier than beginning.
      - Give 1-2 teaspoons(5-10 mL) each 5 minutes.
    - After 4 hours with out throwing up, double the quantity.
    - After 8 hours with out throwing up, return to common system/breastmilk.
- Direct breastfed infants:
  - If vomits greater than as soon as, nurse for five minutes each 30 to 60 minutes.
  - Contact your supplier earlier than beginning.
  - After 4 hours with out throwing up, return to common nursing. If continues to vomit, change to pumped breastmilk.
  - Spoon or syringe feed small quantities of pumped milk.
  - Give 1-2 teaspoons (5-10 mL) each 5 minutes.
  - After 4 hours with out throwing up, return to common feeding on the breast. Begin with small feedings of 5 minutes each half-hour.
    - As your child retains down the smaller quantities, slowly give extra. An oral rehydration answer (unflavored pedialyte or natural pedialyte) can be utilized if vomiting turns into worse.
  - Keep away from all strong meals and child meals in youngsters who’re vomiting. After 8 hours with out throwing up, progressively add them again. Begin with starchy meals which are straightforward to digest. Examples are cereals, crackers and bread.
When to hunt assist:
- Name your physician if: you watched dehydration- no urine in additional than 8 hours, darkish urine, no tears after they cry, and dry mouth. Abdomen ache when not vomiting, extreme vomiting for greater than 8 hours.
- Go to ER if: it’s onerous to wake your youngster up, they act or discuss confused, have extreme belly ache, blood or bile (shiny inexperienced colour) of their vomit.
- Name 911 if: you might be unable to get up your youngster, they’re took drained/weak to face or transfer.

Influenza

What’s it?:
- A viral respiratory an infection brought on by the influenza virus that adjustments yearly
Signs:
- Fever with a runny nostril, sore throat, and a foul cough. Can even have muscle ache/aches, headache and chills.
Remedy:
- Blow or suction the nostril often: use nasal saline and suction for youthful youngsters/infants and train older youngsters to blow their noses often to alleviate congestion.
  - see our Reel for the suction trick!
- Enhance fluid consumption.
  - Some methods for older infants and toddlers:
  - Pedialyte popsicles
  - Pedialyte Slushie (mix with ice)
  - Clear juice (apple or pear) Slushie
  - Breastmilk popsicles (do this popsicle mildew)
  - See our sick child and toddler product suggestions right here
- Deal with fever and physique aches with acetaminophen or ibuprofen
  - Please contact your supplier for correct doses. Please be aware that youngsters underneath 6 months of age can not obtain Motrin (ibuprofen).
  - Antiviral medication, resembling Tamiflu, are typically used to deal with influenza- it should be began inside 48 hours of when signs began or else the drug just isn’t efficient (get prescription out of your supplier).
    - The AAP recommends that solely youngsters with extreme influenza signs ought to be handled with antiviral medication.
When to hunt assist:
- Name your physician if: fever lasts greater than 3 days, you watched dehydration, you discover noisy respiration (wheezing/stridor), you discover quicker respiration (better than 40 breaths per minute), hassle respiration however not extreme.
- Go to the ER if: respiration is changing into tougher, you discover ribs pulling in (retractions), your youngster appears “out of it” or not alert when awake.
- Name 911 if: you youngster is having extreme hassle respiration, lips or face are blue when not coughing, you can’t wake your youngster up

Further sickness we wished to incorporate: Febrile Seizures

What’s it?
- A seizure that often happens throughout the first few hours after a fever has began.
- Sometimes brought on by a spike in physique temperature ensuing from an an infection.
Signs:
- Fever
- Stiffening of the physique, twitching, eye rolling, repetitive actions of the arms or legs
- Unresponsive for a brief time frame, respiration could also be disturbed, pores and skin could seem discolored.
- Sometimes final lower than 1 minute.
- CALL 911.
Remedy: In the event you discover your youngster having a seizure:
- Place them on the ground and away from any onerous or sharp objects.
- Flip their head to the facet for any saliva or vomit to straightforward drain from their mouth
- Don’t put something of their mouth!
When to hunt assist:
- Name 911 if seizure doesn’t cease after 5 minutes or if you’re involved about your youngster’s respiration
- Name your pediatrician to inform them of the seizure and for additional directions/care

**Febrile seizures are scary however they’re NOT dangerous to your youngster. They don’t trigger mind harm, nervous system issues, paralysis, mental incapacity, or demise.

Easy methods to maximize ache and fever management in infants and toddlers:

**Motrin can solely be used for infants better than 6 months, at all times verify with pediatrician earlier than beginning any new drugs.

**You should definitely learn dosage/directions on the again of the medicine field earlier than administering.

Tylenol (acetaminophen) ought to solely be given a minimal of each 4 hours

Motrin (ibuprofen) ought to solely be given a minimal of each 6 hours

These mediations could be given together with each other however it is very important consider the instances at which they’re administered so that you aren’t giving them sooner than what is taken into account protected.

**Fever is taken into account something better than 100.4 levels Fahrenheit

12pm: child wakes up from nap with a fever
- Give Motrin (can not administer once more till 6pm)
1pm: verify temperature again- child nonetheless has a fever
- Give Tylenol (can not administer once more till 5pm)
2pm: verify temperature
- Can’t give both mediation if nonetheless febrile)
3pm: verify temperature
- Can’t give both medicine if nonetheless febrile)
4pm: verify temperature
- Can’t give both mediation if nonetheless febrile)
5pm: verify temperature- child nonetheless has a fever
- Give Tylenol (protected to provide once more as a result of it has been 4 hours for the reason that final dose)
6pm: verify temperature- child nonetheless has a fever
- Administer Motrin (protected to provide once more as a result of it has been 6 hours for the reason that final dose)