Written by nurse mommy on 22 March 2010
Remember in the movie My Big Fat Greek Wedding when the father puts Windex on everything to fix it? Funny right?! Well at my house or my family movie (aka My Drama Queen Kansas Karaoke Contest), if it couldn’t be fixed with duct tape, it wasn’t worth fixing!
Duct tape, you ask? Well, some medical providers suggest duct tape (just a little piece) covering a wart , may actually get rid of the wart up to 5 months earlier! Now you need to change the piece of tape after every bath or if it gets dirty – and this is NOT scientifically proven, but you would be surprised how many providers suggest this, unless your child is allergic to adhesive. (Don’t attempt this method if they have an allergy)
Types of Pediatric Warts:
- Common Warts – found on back of hands, elbows, knees, and looks like a cauliflower
- Flat warts – smooth bump with flat top; located mostly on face, neck, arms or legs
- Plantar warts – on the bottom of the foot, usually painful; located under the skin
Treatments:
Many practitioners will recommend doing nothing for warts; however, there are over-the-counter treatments, and prescription medications which parents can apply to area(s) if warranted. For more severe cases, a medical provider or specialist can use liquid nitrogen to freeze the wart off (hurts), laser it off (really hurts), or last choice is surgery (what do you think the pain level would be?) because scarring will occur.
When to call the Doctor:
- If wart is red or causing discomfort
- If wart is located on your child’s genitals or rectum
- If wart starts to bleed or pus forms at the site
Wart Facts:
- “Kids who bite their fingernails or pick at hangnails get warts more often than kids who don’t,” says www.kidshealth.org
- There is no way to prevent getting warts, but keeping hands clean can help. Also, if prone to warts, and your child gets a cut or wound, wash it out thoroughly. These are prime places for warts to pop up.
- “You can’t get a wart from kissing a frog, or else I’d be covered in them!” ~ Miss Piggy
©2010, Hatton. All rights reserved.
Tags: duct tape, kids, plantar warts, warts
Posted in Nursing tips | 2 Comments »
Written by nurse mommy on 27 February 2010
by Stacey Hatton, RN
3/1/2010 12:00:00 AM
Most parents have overwhelming safety lists which can make their heads spin! But when you are frantically plugging in your outlet covers, don’t forget to give your children enough water. (Not at the same time, please!) The simple act of not drinking adequate amounts of water is unsafe.
Q: Why is water essential to my child’s health?
A: Dr. Sarah Hampl, a Kansas City, MO, pediatrician says, “Our bodies are 70 percent water and we need to keep them well hydrated, because we lose water constantly, and we need to replace it. Adequate water maintain(s) healthy digestive function and prevent(s) constipation. It helps ensure our bodies do not get overheated during times of exercise or fever (and) it helps prevent dehydration and electrolyte abnormalities. It also maintains “healthy skin (and) muscles.”
Q: How much water is required daily for my child?
A: Kansas City pediatric registered dietician, Stephanie Jones says, “Water recommendations for children range from 4 to 6 cups per day. It is also very important that children are consuming adequate servings of milk (2-3 cups) along with their water. Children who are out in the heat or doing sports need to increase their water consumption above this amount.”
Q: Do fruit juices, sodas and sports/energy drinks count towards the daily requirement?
A: Yes, they do count, but the amounts of sugar and caffeine in these drinks are not recommended for children. Caffeine is a diuretic so it will dehydrate the body.
Q: How can I convince my child to drink more water?
A: “It is important for the parent to be a good role model in drinking water,” says Jones. “It is also helpful to limit children’s access to other beverages that might seem more appealing. If a child does not like plain water, fruit slices can be added to the water. Having a child carry a reusable water bottle during their day can increase their water intake. It can even be a family contest to see who can meet their goal.”
Q: Can water help prevent childhood obesity?
A: Hampl answers, “If kids (and adults) are drinking adequate amounts of water, it helps keep their appetite for less healthy drinks lower. Drinking a glass of water before a meal may help prevent overeating at the meal.”
Q: Is bottled water safer than tap water?
A: The Environmental Protection Agency says bottled water isn’t “necessarily safer than tap water. Some bottled water is treated more than tap water, while some is less or not treated at all.” All tap water has to pass an annual water quality test. “Your water supplier must notify you if your water doesn’t meet EPA or state standards.”
So make sure at every meal (and snack) your kiddo is getting something healthy to drink. Whether it’s bottled water or straight from the tap, whether it’s milk or watered down juice, plenty of fluids keep your child from dehydration. And remember, it’s always fun to drink something with a super curly straw!! Cheers!
Stacey Hatton is a pediatric nurse, mommy and freelance writer from Overland Park who is quite parched after writing this.
Tags: KC Parent Magazine, kids, water, weight loss
Posted in preventative health | 3 Comments »
