11 Sep 09 YOUR CHILD’S HEALTH CARE/ GENITAL, GROIN AND URINARY TRACT PROBLEMS: VAGINA, OBJECTS PLACED IN THE
A normal part of children’s development is to explore their own bodies. As part of this process, girls may place all manner of objects inside their vaginas, ranging from crayons to marbles. These objects are usually promptly forgotten about until parents notice a foul smelling vaginal odour or discharge several days later.
When to see your doctor
Always seek medical advice in these situations. See your doctor immediately if you suspect that your daughter has put a sharp object in her vagina, or if there is any pain or bleeding.
Young girls occasionally have a whitish discharge from their vagina, which does not irritate them and does not smell. However, if your daughter complains of itching, and her vulva is reddish in colour, she may have a thrush infection, or dermatitis. Any offensive vaginal discharge, or bleeding in a pre-menstrual girl should arouse suspicion of a foreign object having been pushed into the vagina by the child. Newborn baby girls may have a slight vaginal discharge due to the lingering hormonal influences from the mother.
VAGINAL TEARS
Vaginal tears in children result from some form of trauma, such as landing with legs astride on something sharp, or straddling a fence. This can cause pain and bleeding, and you should see your doctor for advice on treatment of the injury.
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Tags: General Health
11 Sep 09 YOUR CHILD’S HEALTH/BONE AND JOINT DISORDERS: GENERAL PROBLEMS
Apart from congenital dislocation of the hip, most orthopaedic problems in childhood are not serious. They generally occur as part of the normal growth pattern of the child and eventually correct themselves without any active intervention. Parents often become concerned because their child walks or runs awkwardly, wears out shoes, or appears pigeon-toed or knock-kneed. While it is often wise to have the ‘problem’ checked by your doctor or a paediatric orthopaedic surgeon, special shoes and supports are used too much.
Most orthopaedic surgeons advise parents to save their money — inexpensive shoes are just as satisfactory as the most expensive. Children’s feet will develop and grow normally whatever shoes they wear, as long as they fit reasonably well. It certainly is not necessary to purchase children’s shoes at specialised and expensive shops — those bought at discount stores are just as good.
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Tags: General Health
11 Sep 09 YOUR CHILD’S HEALTH/BONE AND JOINT DISORDERS: ARTHRITIS, SEPTIC
Cause
Septic arthritis is caused by infection of a joint, most often with a Staphylococcus or Haemophilus germ which has spread from a preceding skin or upper respiratory tract infection.
Clinical features
Septic arthritis occurs most commonly during the first year of life. The onset of illness may be quite sudden and the baby usually has a fever and is generally unwell. Swelling over the affected joint is marked and the baby may not move the affected limb due to pain. A toddler may begin to limp.
X-rays and blood tests can help in confirming the diagnosis. In addition, a special bone scan is usually performed to highlight the areas of infection. Sometimes fluid is aspirated from the joint under local anaesthetic using a needle, and sent to the laboratory for analysis.
• if your child has an unexplained fever, or is generally unwell;
• if your child has any swelling or pain over a joint, or is reluctant to use one limb or part of a limb.
Treatment
If your child is suspected of having septic arthritis, it is usual to admit him to hospital for thorough investigation and immediate treatment with the appropriate intravenous antibiotics. The stay in hospital is usually from 10 days to 2 weeks. Only in the most severe cases is surgical drainage necessary.
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Tags: General Health
11 Sep 09 YOUR CHILD’S HEALTH/BONE AND JOINT DISORDERS: BONE INFECTIONS (OSTEOMYELITIS)
Osteomyelitis is an infection within the bone. It is more common in children between the ages of 3 and 12 years and occurs more frequently in boys.
Cause
The infection is commonly caused by the Staphylococcus germ, which may enter through an open fracture or infected sore.
Clinical features
The onset of the illness is usually sudden and is often, although not necessarily, characterised by fever and general lassitude. The child may avoid moving the affected limb, and an older child may complain of pain. The commonest bones affected are those of the upper arm and leg. Swelling, redness and tenderness occur over the site of the infection.
Investigations
X-rays, blood tests and special bone scans are performed to confirm the diagnosis. These are usually performed in hospital. X-rays themselves are not always conclusive in the early stages of the infection.
• if your child has an unexplained fever or is generally unwell;
• if your child complains of pain in part of a limb, or does not move a limb;
• if there is any swelling, redness or tenderness over a bone.
Treatment
It is critical that treatment be started as soon as possible, as this leads to the best long-term results and minimal complications.
given orally for several weeks upon discharge from hospital. While in hospital, bed rest is important. Sometimes surgical drainage of the infection under anaesthetic is necessary.
After the acute phase of the illness has passed, physiotherapy helps to maintain the mobility of the limb.
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Tags: General Health
