You’ve just received a call from the school: someone in your child’s class has head lice. We know that hearing that your child has or might have head lice can be stressful, but don’t worry. Your pediatrician can help guide you through the best methods for getting rid of pesky head lice once and for all.If you notice head lice in your child there’s no way around it: you have to treat the lice. They will not go away on their own. It might give you the heebie-jeebies but it’s important to find a treatment that will get rid of these little critters quickly. You should also check all members of your family to make sure they don’t have lice too, as this problem can spread quickly.
The good news is that you can often treat lice from the comfort of your own home. While there are certain hair salons that may cater to the treatment of lice, it’s worth it to try and treat the problem yourself. There are a variety of over-the-counter shampoos and rinses that can kill lice and their eggs (also known as nits). You may want to talk with your pediatric doctor about the treatment process, which products to use and whether or not you should reapply the shampoo or rinse days after the first application.
Still seeing lice? This is a literal head scratcher for some parents, but don’t worry. This is when a pediatrician can prescribe a much stronger treatment option such as shampoos containing benzyl alcohol, or lotions containing either ivermectin or malathion (both pesticides), or spinosad (an insecticide).
Since some of these products work differently from others, it is important that you read and follow all instructions. Some products will require more than one application while others will only require one. Again, if you have any questions or concerns about your child’s lice treatment don’t hesitate to talk to your pediatrician.
Treating Your Home After Lice
The good news is that lice need blood in order to survive so they won’t live very long if they don’t have a human host. However, you will want to wash all bedding, towels and clothes that may have lice or nits on them. Make sure to wash them thoroughly in hot water that is higher than 130 degrees F. If you can’t wash these items immediately, promptly bag them until you can clean them properly.
Head lice can be annoying, but turning to a qualified pediatric doctor can help you get the answers you need to tackle this hairy little problem. Call your pediatrician to learn more.
We all know how accident-prone kids can be. They get bruises, bumps, cuts, and scrapes from time and time. Most of the time, these boo-boos are nothing to worry about, but sometimes a cut or laceration may require turning to your pediatrician for stitches. Does your child need stitches? We know it isn’t always easy to tell. Here are some telltale signs that your child might need stitches,- Apply pressure to the cut for five minutes. If it’s still bleeding after five minutes, it probably needs stitches
- The cut is more than ½-inch deep or longer
- The cut is around their eye
- The cut is on their face or neck and is longer than ¼ inch
- The cut is gaping open
- There is an object sticking out of it, including debris or glass
- The cut is spurting blood
When should I call the pediatrician?
If in doubt about whether or not your child may need stitches, call your pediatrician. With the introduction of telehealth visits, many pediatricians can now look at images of the injury or wound through a simple online appointment and determine whether the child or teen needs to come in for stitches. While the warning signs above are telltale indicators that your child may need stitches, even if the cut doesn’t need stitches, you should still see the doctor if:
- The cut was made by a rusty or metal object
- There is redness, swelling, pus, or other signs of infection
- The child has been bitten by an animal
- The cut hasn’t healed within 10 days
- There is still severe pain after a few hours
If you still aren’t sure whether or not your child should get stitches, it doesn’t hurt to give your pediatrician a call. Let us know the symptoms your child is experiencing, and we can determine if their injury requires a closer look from our team. Call us today; we can deal with your child’s urgent medical matters.
In the past, the most common type of diabetes to affect children and teens was type 1 diabetes. This is also referred to as juvenile diabetes. In children with type 1 diabetes, their bodies do not produce insulin, a hormone responsible for helping deliver glucose into the cells. While type 1 diabetes is quite common in children, pediatricians are also seeing a rise in type 2 diabetes in children and teens. This coincides with an increase in childhood obesity rates.- Frequent urination, particularly at night
- Excessive thirst or hunger
- Weight loss, despite increased appetite
- Cuts, bruises, and wounds that don’t heal or are slow to heal
Unlike type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes symptoms usually appear gradually. While type 2 diabetes has always been considered “adult-onset” diabetes, this has changed over the years, thanks to the obesity epidemic in children. If your child is obese or overweight, they may be at an increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Symptoms of type 2 diabetes are similar to type 1 diabetes, the only marked differences in symptoms are,
- Blurry vision
- Severe fatigue
- Tingling or numbness in the hands and feet
Even though there is no cure for diabetes, there are ways that your child’s pediatrician can help manage their symptoms. The goal of treatment is to control blood sugar levels to prevent complications and lessen symptoms.
Have questions about childhood ADHD? We have answers.
If you are concerned that your child may be displaying symptoms of ADHD, our Conroe, TX, pediatrician Dr. Ayotunde Faweya can provide comprehensive screening tools to provide you with the answers you need. Of course, we also understand that you may have a boatload of questions, so we’re making it a little easier to get the information you need right here. Here are answers to the top questions we receive about childhood ADHD.
What is ADHD?
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects a child’s ability to focus and pay attention. It can also lead to hyperactivity or increased impulsivity in children and teens. ADHD isn’t usually diagnosed between the ages of 4 and 17.
What causes ADHD?
The medical community still doesn’t know for certain what causes ADHD. It’s believed that a variety of environmental factors and genetics could play a role.
What are the classic signs of ADHD?
The three overarching signs of ADHD are hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattentiveness; however, child doesn’t have to show symptoms of all three in order to be diagnosed with ADHD. Our Conroe, TX, pediatrician understands that ADHD will vary from child to child. Some children may be prone to speaking out of turn and have trouble sitting still while other children may be perfectly okay with playing quietly but may have trouble listening to directions or become easily distracted.
How is ADHD diagnosed in children?
In order to get a definitive diagnosis, it’s important that you see your child’s pediatrician for an evaluation. While there isn’t a singular test that can diagnose ADHD, our team will perform behavioral assessments and interview teachers and other caregivers who work with your child regularly to gather information needed to make a diagnosis. In order to diagnose ADHD, we need to be able to identify,
- That your child’s symptoms occur in more than two settings (e.g., social interactions; school; home)
- That your child displays six or more symptoms (ages 4-17 years old)
- That your teen displays five or more symptoms if they are over 17 years old
- That their symptoms impact their personal, social and academic life
- That their symptoms have persisted for more than six months
How is ADHD treated in children and teens?
While there is currently no cure for ADHD, we do offer a variety of effective treatment options for kids and teens here in Conroe, TX. Some of the best treatment plans include a combination of stimulant medications along with behavior and talk therapies, and support groups.
We understand just how disconcerting it can be when your child starts showing symptoms of ADHD. If this is the case, our Conroe, TX, pediatric team can provide you with the tools needed to make a proper diagnosis. To schedule an ADHD evaluation at Northside Pediatrics Associates, call (936) 270-8655.
Are you the proud parent of a newborn? Or, are you anticipating a birth soon? Then, read on about newborn child care from the compassionate team at Northside Pediatric Associates. Dr. Ayotunde Faweya ensures families experience the finest health care in the Conroe, TX, area, and they want parents fully informed and confident in what they do for their children.
FAQs about newborn child care
When will our pediatrician see my new baby?
Your child's doctor will see him or her within a few days after you have both been discharged from the hospital.
What does a newborn exam include?
Dr. Faweya will do a complete head to toe assessment to include all vital signs, hearing, vision and reflexes. Length, weight and head circumference are important initial measurements and will be tracked throughout babyhood.
What is my baby's first vaccine?
The hospital will administer the hepatitis B vaccine before you take your baby home.
At what intervals should I bring my newborn to Northside Pediatric Associates for a well-baby visit? After that initial in-office visit a few days after birth, you and your baby will see the pediatrician at two weeks and again at two months. You'll discuss your baby's sleep schedule, feeding (breast or bottle), number of diapers, growth and important developmental milestones. The well-baby visit is a great time to ask your pediatrician questions.
When should I call my pediatrician? Basically, you should call us whenever you have a concern about your child's health and well-being. No question is unnecessary or too simple. Also, be sure to contact us for a sick visit if your newborn has a fever of 100.4 or higher, has continual diarrhea or cannot stop vomiting. Rashes, ear discharge, continual crying or refusing to eat are very urgent matters as well, say neonatal experts at the Cleveland Clinic.
How do I know my baby is getting enough to eat? Basically, count the diapers. A well-fed, healthy newborn wets upwards of six to eight diapers every day. If you have concerns about breastfeeding, call us for a personal consultation.
Your baby and you
Your little one is your highest priority in life. At Northside Pediatrics Associates in Conroe, TX, Dr. Faweya and his dedicated staff will partner with you in raising a healthy, happy newborn. For more information on newborn care, contact us. We love talking to new parents! Phone (936) 270-8655.
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