| Skin biopsy: Caring for your child after the procedure | Skin biopsy: Caring for your child after the procedure | Skin biopsy: Caring for your child after the procedure | S | English | Dermatology | Child (0-12 years);Teen (13-18 years) | Skin | Skin | Tests | Caregivers
Adult (19+) | NA | https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/IMD_skin_biopsy_excision_EN.jpg | 2016-06-13T04:00:00Z | | Alicia Bahadur;Michelle Lee, BScN, RN;Jackie Su, RN, MN;Irene Lara-Corrales, MSc, MD;Elena Pope, MD | | | | 6.00000000000000 | 71.0000000000000 | 451.000000000000 | | Health (A-Z) - Procedure | Health A-Z | <p>A skin biopsy helps diagnose skin problems. Find out how to help your child's skin heal after a skin biopsy and how to manage any complications.<br></p> | <p>A <a href="/Article?contentid=2464&language=English">skin biopsy</a> involves taking a sample of your child’s skin and sending it for testing in a laboratory.<br></p> | | <h2>Key points<br></h2>
<ul>
<li>Follow all instructions for caring for your child’s skin after a biopsy.</li>
<li>Call your child's doctor or see a local healthcare professional if your child’s skin becomes redder or more painful or if there is pus.<br></li>
</ul> | | | | | | | <h2>How do I care for my child’s skin if there are complications?</h2>
<p>The risks of a skin biopsy include pain, bleeding, infections, scars and stitches popping open. </p>
<table class="akh-table">
<thead>
<tr><th>Risk</th><th>Treatment</th></tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Pain</td>
<td>If needed, give your child <a href="/Article?contentid=62&language=English">acetaminophen</a> every four to six hours once or twice after the local anaesthetic wears off. If your child cannot take acetaminophen, ask your doctor for suggestions.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bleeding</td>
<td>Apply pressure for 15 minutes. Do not peek at the bleeding site while holding pressure.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Infection (rare)</td>
<td>If the area becomes redder or more painful or if there is pus, have it assessed by a local healthcare professional. Your child may need oral antibiotics.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Scarring</td>
<td>No treatment is needed. Scarring is normal when the skin heals from a cut.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Stitches popping open</td>
<td>This can happen if the biopsy is done where the skin is tight or if the skin around the biopsy is bumped or stretched. Remove the stitch and clean the skin as instructed.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table> | | | | <h2>When will I find out about my child's biopsy results?</h2>
<p>It takes a few weeks to get the results of a biopsy. Your child's health-care team will decide with you when to follow up in the clinic to review the results.</p> | | | | | | | | | | | | <h2>How do I care for my child’s skin after their biopsy?</h2>
<p>How you care for your child’s skin depends on whether your child needed stitches after their biopsy.</p>
<table class="akh-table">
<thead>
<tr><th>Biopsy with stitches</th><th>Biopsy with no stitches</th></tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><ol><li>For the first 24 hours, leave the bandage on and keep the area clean and dry.</li><li>After the first 24 hours, remove the bandage and rinse the site well. Pat it dry with a clean towel.</li><li>Apply petroleum jelly or the antibiotic ointment recommended by your doctor to the area every day.</li><li>If your child prefers, cover the area of the biopsy with a new bandage.</li><li>Arrange to have your family doctor or another healthcare professional remove your child’s stitches ___ days after their biopsy.</li></ol></td>
<td><ol><li>For the first 24 hours, leave the bandage on and keep the area clean and dry.</li><li>After the first 24 hours, remove the bandage and rinse the site well. Pat it dry with a clean towel.</li><li>Your child’s skin will form a scab as it heals. Apply the recommended antibiotic ointment every day until the scab falls off.</li><li>If your child prefers, cover the area of the biopsy with a new bandage.</li></ol></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table> | | | | <figure>
<a href="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/INM_skin_biopsy_after_care_PDF_EN.pdf">
<img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/INM_skin_biopsy_after_care_download_PDF_EN.jpg" alt="" /> </a></figure>
| | | | | | | | | | | Skin biopsy: Care after the procedure | |
| First aid kit | First aid kit | First aid kit | F | English | Prevention | Child (0-12 years);Teen (13-18 years) | NA | NA | Healthy living and prevention | Caregivers
Adult (19+) | NA | | 2013-04-23T04:00:00Z | | Elizabeth Berger, BA, MD, FRCPC, FAAP, MHPE | | | | 9.00000000000000 | 53.0000000000000 | 413.000000000000 | | Health (A-Z) - Procedure | Health A-Z | <p>Find a list of supplies and medicines to include in a first aid kit. It is recommended that there be an equipped first aid kit in the house and in the car.</p> | <p>Like smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, a first aid kit is a necessity for every home, cottage, and workplace. Accidents and injuries can happen to anyone at any time so it is important to be prepared. After you purchase or assemble a first aid kit, store it in a central location so it is easily accessible. If your first aid kit contains medications, be sure to check expiration dates and replace as necessary. Also, consider keeping a second first aid kit in your car because emergencies can happen on the road, too.</p>
<figure class="asset-c-100">
<span class="asset-image-title">Basic first aid kit contents</span>
<img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/First_aid_kit_EQUIP_ILL_EN.jpg" alt="" />
<figcaption class="asset-image-caption">Every home should have a first-aid kit and everybody in the home should know how to use it. Taking time now to prepare will ensure you are equipped for emergencies.</figcaption> </figure> | | <h2>Key points</h2>
<ul>
<li>Keep your first aid kit in a central location so it is easily accessible.</li>
<li>Try to keep the contents of the first aid kit at room temperature.</li>
<li>If your first aid kit contains medications, remember to check expiration dates and replace when necessary. Remember to keep out of reach of small children.</li>
<li>Consider keeping a basic first aid kit in your car.</li>
</ul> | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | <h2>A basic first aid kit should include:</h2>
<ul>
<li>alcohol pads or antiseptic pads</li>
<li>Band-Aids (all sizes)</li>
<li>cotton balls and Q-tips</li>
<li>elastic bandages</li>
<li>hot and cold packs</li>
<li>medical tape</li>
<li>small container of sterile water or saline spray</li>
<li>soap and hand sanitizer</li>
<li>sterile gloves (vinyl or plastic)</li>
<li>sterile gauze roll and pads</li>
<li>triangular bandages</li>
<li>CPR mask with one-way valve</li>
</ul>
<h3>Over-the-counter medications</h3>
<ul>
<li><a href="/Article?contentid=62&language=English">acetaminophen</a></li>
<li>aloe</li>
<li>antibiotic ointment</li>
<li>calamine lotion</li>
<li>hydrocortisone cream (1%)</li>
<li><a href="/Article?contentid=153&language=English">ibuprofen</a></li>
<li>sunscreen (SPF of 30 or higher)</li>
</ul>
<h3>Other supplies</h3>
<ul>
<li>emergency blanket (stored nearby)</li>
<li>flashlight and extra batteries</li>
<li>insect repellent (10% or less DEET)</li>
<li>matches and candles</li>
<li>paper and pencil</li>
<li>safety pins</li>
<li>sharp scissors</li>
<li>splinting material</li>
<li>thermometer</li>
<li>tweezers</li>
<li>bottle of drinking water</li>
<li>basic pocket guide or first aid manual</li>
<li>other items specific to the activity or destination</li>
</ul>
<h3>Additional information</h3>
<p>Extreme temperature differences may reduce the effectiveness of some medications. If possible, try to keep the contents of the first aid kit at room temperature.</p> | | | | | | | | <img alt="" src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/first_aid_kit.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | | | | | | | | https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/first_aid_kit.jpg | First aid kit | |
| Peanut allergy | Peanut allergy | Peanut allergy | P | English | Allergy | Child (0-12 years);Teen (13-18 years) | Body | Immune system | Conditions and diseases | Caregivers
Adult (19+) | NA | | 2014-12-18T05:00:00Z | | Vy Kim, MD, FRCPC;Anna Kasprzak, RN | | | | 9.00000000000000 | 57.0000000000000 | 865.000000000000 | | Health (A-Z) - Conditions | Health A-Z | <p>A peanut allergy is a life-long reaction to the proteins in peanuts. Find out how to help your child manage it.<br></p> | <h2>What is a peanut allergy?</h2><p>A peanut allergy occurs when the body reacts to the proteins in peanuts. This allergy is treated separately from other
<a href="/Article?contentid=812&language=English">nut allergies</a>. While other nuts grow on trees, peanuts (like beans, peas and lentils) belong to the legume family and grow underground.<br></p>
<h2>If my child has an allergy to peanuts, must they avoid all other nuts?</h2><p>People who are allergic to peanuts might not have an allergy to tree nuts. However, a person can be allergic to both.</p><h2>How serious is a peanut allergy?</h2><p>A peanut allergy carries the risk of <a href="/Article?contentid=781&language=English">anaphylaxis</a>, a severe and life threatening allergic reaction.</p><p>Some children are so sensitive to peanuts that inhaling a small amount of peanut protein (for example a tiny amount of shelled peanut in the air) can trigger a reaction. However, a person with a peanut allergy will not develop symptoms when exposed to the smell of peanuts, for example in peanut butter. The smell may trigger a response in a child with a peanut allergy because of their fear of peanuts, but this is not the same as physical allergic symptoms.</p><h2>Will my child always have a peanut allergy?</h2><p>Yes, a peanut allergy can be severe and life-long.</p> | <h2>Other names for peanuts</h2>
<p>Peanuts can have different names in ingredient lists. Learning these names can help you catch any hidden sources of peanuts in food.</p>
<p>When buying packaged foods, always check the list of ingredients in the store and again when you bring the product home. It is also a good idea to check the ingredients every time you buy the food in case the recipe has changed. You can also call the manufacturer to ask about any recipe changes.</p>
<p>The following table lists some names for peanuts. Use it when you are grocery shopping or calling food manufacturers.</p>
<table class="akh-table">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Arachis oil</td>
<td>Beer nuts</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cacahouette</td>
<td>Goober nuts, goober peas (boiled peanuts)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ground nuts</td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table> | <h2>Key points</h2>
<ul>
<li>A peanut allergy can be life long and carries the risk of anaphylaxis, a severe and sometimes life-threatening allergic reaction. </li>
<li>Peanuts are treated as a separate allergen from tree nuts because they are part of the legume family.</li>
<li>Many different products contain peanuts, including baked goods, curries, egg rolls, cereals, chocolate, sauces and hydrolyzed plant or vegetable protein.</li>
<li>To prevent an allergic reaction, always read food product labels, avoid foods if you are not sure of the ingredients and avoid using utensils or containers that might have come in contact with peanuts.</li>
<li>If your child's diet is limited because of a peanut, a registered dietitian can offer advice on getting a balanced diet.</li>
</ul> | | | <h2>Possible sources of peanuts</h2>
<p>Peanuts are used in a range of dishes, packaged food and snacks. Below is a list of some of the many food products that contain peanuts.</p>
<table class="akh-table">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>African, Chinese, Indonesian, Mexican, Thai and Vietnamese dishes, for example curries, chilis, egg rolls or satays</td>
<td>Artificial nuts (peanuts that have been altered to look and taste like almonds, pecans and walnuts), such as mandelona or Nu-Nuts</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Baked goods and baking mixes</td>
<td>Cereals and muesli</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Chocolate and other snack foods</td>
<td>Desserts</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Fried foods</td>
<td>Hydrolyzed plant protein/vegetable protein (source may be peanut)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nut meats, nut butter</td>
<td>Peanut oil</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Soup, sauces and gravy</td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table> | | | <h2>Reducing the risk of cross-contamination</h2>
<p>Cross-contamination occurs when a harmless substance comes in contact with a harmful substance, for example a potential allergen or harmful bacteria. If the substances mix together, the harmful substance taints the other substance, making it unsafe to eat.</p>
<p>Food allergens can contaminate other foods when, for example, the same containers, utensils or frying pans hold a range of foods.</p>
<p>Bulk food containers pose a high risk of cross-contamination because they are often used for different products.</p>
<p>Be sure to avoid using utensils or containers that may have come in contact with allergy-causing foods and ask about possible cross-contamination when eating out.</p>
<h2>How can my child get the right mix of nutrients if they must avoid peanuts?</h2>
<p>The main nutrients in peanuts include protein, omega-3 fats, fibre, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, folate and vitamin E. Your child can still get these nutrients even if they must avoid peanuts.</p>
<h3>Nutrients in peanuts that are found in other foods</h3>
<table class="akh-table">
<thead>
<tr><th>Nutrient</th><th>Where to find it</th></tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Protein</td>
<td>Meat, fish, poultry, eggs, cheese, milk, beans, soy</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Omega 3</td>
<td>Salmon, tuna, mackerel, flaxseed oil, walnuts, edamame (soy beans), radish seeds, omega-3 eggs fortified with DHA</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Fibre</td>
<td>Vegetables, fruit, whole grains</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Magnesium</td>
<td>Wheat germ, peas, pumpkin, squash or sesame seeds</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Phosphorus</td>
<td>Wheat germ, rice bran, wheat bran, cheese, beans, sardines, tempeh</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Potassium</td>
<td>Bananas, papaya, sweet potato, leafy green vegetables, milk, yogurt, beans (navy, pinto, black), lentils, chickpeas, beef, pork, fish</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Folate</td>
<td>Leafy green vegetables, beans (navy, pinto, kidney, garbanzo), lentils</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Vitamin E</td>
<td>Spinach, red pepper, Swiss chard, wheat germ cereal, egg, sunflower seeds</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table> | | | | <h2>When to see a dietitian for a peanut allergy</h2>
<p>If you have removed many foods from your child's diet because of a peanut or tree nut allergy, it may be a good idea to speak to a registered dietitian. The dietitian can review the foods your child still eats to decide if they are getting enough nutrients. If necessary, they can also recommend alternative foods that your child can eat safely.</p> | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | <img alt="" src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/peanut_allergy.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | | | | | | | | https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/peanut_allergy.jpg | Peanut allergy | |
| Strep throat | Strep throat | Strep throat | S | English | Infectious Diseases | Preschooler (2-4 years);School age child (5-8 years);Pre-teen (9-12 years) | Mouth;Trachea;Esophagus | Mouth;Esophagus;Trachea | Conditions and diseases | Caregivers
Adult (19+) | Fever;Sore throat | | 2014-08-14T04:00:00Z | | Shawna Silver, MD, FRCPC, FAAP, PEng | | | | 7.00000000000000 | 66.0000000000000 | 892.000000000000 | | Health (A-Z) - Conditions | Health A-Z | <p>Strep throat is a throat infection caused by a type of bacteria called streptococci. Learn how you can take care of your child.</p><br> | <h2>What is strep throat?</h2><p>Strep throat is a throat infection caused by a type of bacteria called streptococcus. </p><p>Strep throat is more common in children four to eight years old and is rare in children younger than two years of age. </p><p>The most common cause of strep throat is Group A beta-haemolytic streptococcus (GABS). This bacteria can also cause complications in other parts of the body.</p> | | <h2>Key points</h2>
<ul>
<li>The main symptoms of strep throat are fever and sore throat.</li>
<li>If you suspect that your child might have strep throat, see a doctor for a throat swab.</li>
<li>Make sure your child finishes any antibiotics they are prescribed to prevent relapse and complications.</li>
<li>Use soft foods, cold drinks and pain medications, if needed, to reduce any pain.</li>
<li>Make sure that any other family members or close contacts with similar symptoms see their healthcare provider.</li>
</ul> | | <h2>Signs and symptoms of strep throat</h2>
<p>The symptoms for strep throat are similar to symptoms for a sore throat caused by a virus or other illnesses. The most common symptoms are:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="/Article?contentid=30&language=English" style="line-height:18px;background-color:initial;">fever</a></li>
<li><a href="https://akhpub.aboutkidshealth.ca/article?contentid=748&language=English">sore throat</a></li>
<li>loss of interest in eating or drinking because of pain</li>
<li>difficulty swallowing</li>
<li><a href="https://akhpub.aboutkidshealth.ca/article?contentid=748&language=English">enlarged red tonsils</a>, sometimes covered with white-yellow coating.</li>
</ul>
<p>Some children may have other symptoms such as <a href="/Article?contentid=29&language=English">headache</a>, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and muscle pain.<br></p> | | <h2>Reduce the spread of the infection</h2>
<p>Strep throat can spread easily to family members and your child's classmates. Any child or adult who lives in your home and has the same symptoms in the five days after your child is diagnosed should have a throat swab.</p>
<p>Your child's infection is no longer contagious after your child has been on antibiotics for 24 hours. This means that your child can return to school after one day if they are feeling better.</p>
<h3>Other tips to prevent the spread of infection</h3>
<ul>
<li><a href="/Article?contentid=1981&language=English">Wash hands</a> with warm soapy water or alcohol-based hand rub often.</li>
<li>Do not let your child share drinking glasses or eating utensils with friends or classmates.</li>
<li>Be sure to wash your child's glasses and utensils in hot soapy water or a dishwasher.</li>
<li>Have your child sneeze into their elbow or cover their mouth and nose when coughing.</li>
<li>Avoid kissing and having close facial contact with your child until they are better.</li>
</ul>
| <h2>How is strep throat diagnosed?</h2>
<p>To find out the cause of your child's sore throat, the doctor will take a throat swab. This involves wiping a thin cotton bud along the side and back of your child's throat. The swab is then sent to a lab to be tested for GABS bacteria. Your doctor will normally receive the results within a day or two.</p>
<p>Some clinics may use a rapid test (which gives results within minutes) to identify strep. Rapid tests are only useful if they show that your child has the streptococcus bacteria (known as a positive result). A negative rapid test result does not always mean that your child does not have strep throat. The result should always be checked by taking a throat swab.</p>
<p>A throat swab is very important for diagnosis as strep throat looks similar to <a href="/Article?contentid=748&language=English">viral pharyngitis</a>, which cannot be treated with antibiotics.</p>
| <h2>How is strep throat treated?</h2>
<p>If the throat swab is positive for GABS, the doctor will prescribe oral antibiotics (antibiotics to be taken by mouth) for your child. Strep throat can sometimes get better without medication, but a GABS infection can cause complications if it is not treated.</p>
| <h2>Complications of strep throat</h2>
<h3>Throat abscess</h3>
<p>A throat abscess (a collection of pus in the throat tissues) can develop from strep throat. The symptoms include high fever, muffled voice, difficulty opening the mouth, increased salivation and drooling and neck swelling. See a doctor if these symptoms occur.</p>
<h3>Rheumatic fever</h3>
<p>Although rare, rheumatic fever can also develop as a complication of strep throat. The condition can involve the skin, joints, heart and brain. Treating the strep throat with antibiotics almost always prevents rheumatic fever.</p>
<h3>Other complications</h3>
<p> These can include joint inflammation (arthritis) and kidney inflammation. GABS is also the bacteria responsible for <a href="/Article?contentid=751&language=English">scarlet fever</a>.</p>
| <h2>Taking care of your child at home</h2>
<h3>Manage the fever and pain</h3>
<p><a href="/Article?contentid=62&language=English">Acetaminophen</a> or <a href="/Article?contentid=153&language=English">ibuprofen</a> can be used to treat fever or pain. <a href="/Article?contentid=77&language=English">ASA (acetylsalicylic acid)</a> should not be given to children.</p>
<h3>Complete the antibiotics</h3>
<p>The fever and the throat pain usually improve about three days after your child starts taking antibiotics. However, even if your child seems to be better, it is very important to complete the entire course of antibiotics. This will make sure the infection does not return and will also prevent complications and antibiotic resistance.</p>
<h3>Offer your child soft foods and a liquid diet</h3>
<p>Eating and drinking may be painful for a child with strep throat. Here are some tips to make it easier for them.</p>
<ul>
<li>If your child is having trouble swallowing, give soft foods that are easy to swallow, such as soups, ice cream, pudding or yogurt.</li>
<li>Give plenty of liquids. Sipping with a straw or sippy cup may help.</li>
<li>If your child is more than 12 months old, try giving one or two teaspoons (5 to 10 mL) of pasteurized honey to soothe the throat and ease the cough.</li>
<li>Let an older child try gargling with warm salt water to soothe their throat.</li>
</ul>
<p>Ice cubes and lozenges may provide some relief for older children or teens. Do not give them to younger children, however, because they are a choking hazard.</p> | | <h2>When to get medical attention</h2>
<p>Call your child's regular doctor if:</p>
<ul>
<li>the fever does not go away within three days of starting antibiotics</li>
<li>your child develops a fever, a rash, joint swelling, blood in the urine or shortness of breath.<br></li>
</ul>
<p>Go to the nearest Emergency Department or call 911 if your child:<br></p>
<ul>
<li>is unable to drink or eat and is becoming dehydrated</li>
<li>has trouble breathing.<br></li>
</ul>
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | <img alt="" src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/strep_throat.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | | | | | | strepthroat | strepthroat | https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/strep_throat.jpg | Strep throat | |
