| Insect bites | Insect bites | Insect bites | I | English | Dermatology | Child (0-12 years);Teen (13-18 years) | Skin | Skin | Conditions and diseases | Caregivers
Adult (19+) | NA | | 2014-05-30T04:00:00Z | | Shawna Silver, MD, FRCPC, FAAP, PEng | | | | 7.00000000000000 | 62.0000000000000 | 584.000000000000 | | Health (A-Z) - Conditions | Health A-Z | <p>Discover how to recognize, treat and prevent insect bites, tick bites and bee stings.</p> |
<p>Insect bites and stings occur when an insect feeds off a person's skin or tries to defend itself.</p><p>Different insects bite and sting in different ways. Common biting or stinging insects include mosquitoes, blackflies, bed bugs, fleas, ticks, fire ants, bees and wasps. Bees often leave stingers in the wound.</p><p>Insect bites usually cause mild swelling, redness and itchiness limited to the small area around the bite or sting. Some children, however, can experience potentially life-threatening reactions. This is called an anaphylactic reaction and requires immediate medical attention. In children who are at risk, <a href="/Article?contentid=781&language=English">anaphylaxis</a> is most commonly caused by bees, wasps and hornets. Other insects can transmit disease. For example, some mosquitoes can transmit malaria or West Nile virus and some ticks can transmit <a href="/Article?contentid=909&language=English">Lyme disease</a>.</p> | | <h2>Key points</h2>
<ul>
<li>Insect bites often cause swelling and redness. Some children experience severe and potentially life-threatening reactions.</li>
<li>Common biting or stinging insects include mosquitoes, blackflies, bees and wasps.</li>
<li>Some children respond well to antihistamine medication; others may just need some ice.</li>
<li>Prevent insect bites and stings by covering the body with light-coloured clothing and applying insect repellent to exposed skin.</li>
<li>DEET is a very effective insect repellent, but use it carefully according to your child's age. If using sunscreen and insect repellent, apply sunscreen first.</li>
</ul> | | <h2>Signs and symptoms of an insect bite or sting</h2><p>Signs and symptoms of insect bites and stings vary according to the type of insect and your child's reaction.</p><p>Normally, an insect bite or sting causes:</p><ul><li>a small, red, raised bump, pimple or blisters</li><li>itchiness and irritation around the bump.</li></ul><p>The symptoms can last from a few hours up to two days.<br></p><p>Some children develop a big firm swollen area around the bite. This is not an allergic reaction. It is known as a large local reaction and rarely leads to a skin infection.</p><p>If your child has an anaphylactic reaction, they may develop <a href="/article?contentid=789&language=English">hives</a>, facial or mouth swelling, or breathing problems or they may collapse. Use an epinephrine auto-injector, if your child has one, and call for emergency assistance.</p> | | | | <h2>How to treat insect bites and stings</h2>
<ul>
<li>Cold, damp compresses or ice can relieve some of the swelling.</li>
<li>Over-the counter topical medications (medications you put on the skin) may also help to relieve the itch.</li>
</ul>
<p>Some children may respond well to antihistamine medication for itching, but this medication can cause drowsiness.</p> | | | <h2>Preventing insect bites and stings</h2>
<p>Your child is more likely to be bitten or stung in warm and damp weather and in the evening and at night. Here are some ways you can reduce your child's exposure to insects.</p>
<ul>
<li>Apply insecticide or insect repellent to clothing and exposed skin.</li>
<li>Wear long pants and socks.</li>
<li>Wear light-coloured clothing.</li>
<li>Avoid areas where insects breed and live.</li>
<li>Stay inside when insects are most active.</li>
<li>Use insecticide-impregnated mosquito nets, especially for infants aged less than six months.</li>
<li>Take specific precautions, such as taking anti-malarial medications, as needed.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Be careful with DEET insect repellent</h3>
<p>DEET is one of the most effective repellents for mosquitoes and biting flies, but it should be used with caution for children.</p>
<ul>
<li>Babies less than six months old: Do not use any insect repellents with DEET.</li>
<li>Children aged six months to two years: Use a product with 10 per cent DEET or less and apply it once a day.</li>
<li>Children aged two to 12 years: Use a product with 10 per cent DEET or less and apply it no more than three times a day.</li>
<li>Children aged over 12: Use a product with up to 30 per cent DEET.</li>
</ul>
<p>The higher the amount of DEET, the longer the protection will last.</p>
<h3>How to apply DEET to your child's skin</h3>
<ul>
<li>Apply it to exposed skin, following the manufacturer's instructions.</li>
<li>Do not apply it to your child's face or hands or any areas where the skin is cut, grazed or irritated.</li>
<li>Once the DEET is applied, wash hands and avoid touching the lips and eyes.</li>
</ul>
<h3>How to use insect repellent and sunscreen effectively</h3>
<ul>
<li>Apply <a href="/Article?contentid=308&language=English">sunscreen</a> about 30 minutes before you apply any insect repellent.</li>
<li>Do not use a single product that combines insect repellent with sunscreen. The insect repellent can make the sunscreen less effective and the sunscreen can increase how much insect repellent is absorbed by the body. In addition, you will normally need to apply sunscreen every two to three hours; it is not safe to apply insect repellent as frequently.</li>
</ul> | <h2>When to see a doctor after an insect bite or sting</h2>
<p>If your child has been bitten or stung, see a doctor right away if:</p>
<ul>
<li>you are in an area where the insects are known to transmit diseases</li>
<li>your child develops an unusual rash, a <a href="/Article?contentid=30&language=English">fever</a> or other symptoms.</li>
</ul> | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | insectbites | insectbites | https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/insect_bites.jpg | | |
| Mental health | Mental health | Mental health | M | English | Psychiatry | Child (0-12 years);Teen (13-18 years) | NA | NA | NA | Caregivers
Adult (19+) | NA | | | | | | | | | | | | Landing Page | Learning Hub | <p>This hub offers resources on supporting your child's mental health through physical activity, sleep and nutrition. It also offers information on recognizing, treating and coping with a range of mental health conditions.<br></p> | <p>This hub includes resources for parents on how to support your child's mental health and general wellbeing through physical activity, sleep and nutrition. It also provides information on the signs, symptoms and treatments of different mental health conditions, including anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, behavioural disorders, anorexia nervosa and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.<br></p> | | | <div class="panel panel-primary"><div class="panel-heading clickable">
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<h2 class="panel-title">Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)</h2></div><div class="panel-body list-group" style="display:none;"><p>Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) involves difficulties with controlling attention and regulating behaviour. Discover the main symptoms of ADHD in children and teens, how the disorder is diagnosed and how to help your child at home and at school.</p></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1922&language=English">Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: Overview</a></li><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1923&language=English">Signs and symptoms</a></li><li class="list-group-item">
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<h2 class="panel-title">Behavioural disorders</h2></div><div class="panel-body list-group" style="display:none;"><p>Behavioural disorders include oppositional defiant disorder and conduct disorder. Learn how these disorders differ from typical misbehaviour, how therapy and medications can help and how you can manage problematic behaviour at home.</p></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1924&language=English">Behavioural disorders: Overview</a></li><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1925&language=English">Signs and symptoms</a></li><li class="list-group-item">
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<h2 class="panel-title">Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)</h2></div><div class="panel-body list-group" style="display:none;"><p>Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is triggered by experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event. Learn about the main symptoms of PTSD, how the condition is diagnosed and how psychotherapy and medications can help your child.</p></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1927&language=English">Post-traumatic stress disorder: Overview</a></li><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1928&language=English">Signs and symptoms</a></li><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=2005&language=English">Treatment with psychotherapy and medications</a></li></ol></div><div class="panel panel-primary"><div class="panel-heading clickable">
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<h2 class="panel-title">Brain disorders and mental health</h2></div><div class="panel-body list-group" style="display:none;"><p>A brain disorder includes a condition, illness or injury that affects the brain and how it develops before or after birth. Find out how a brain disorder can affect your child's learning, mood and social skills, how its impact on mental health is assessed and how to help your child cope.</p></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1926&language=English">Brain disorders and mental health: Overview</a></li><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=2002&language=English">Assessing your child for neuropsychological difficulties</a></li><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=2003&language=English">How to help your child cope</a></li><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=2004&language=English">Common treatments</a></li></ol></div> | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/Mental_health_landing-page.jpg | mentalhealth | healthyliving | | | |
| Keeping kids on the move: The role of active transportation and child-friendly communities | Keeping kids on the move: The role of active transportation and child-friendly communities | Keeping kids on the move: The role of active transportation and child-friendly communities | K | English | Prevention | Child (0-12 years);Teen (13-18 years) | NA | NA | Healthy living and prevention | Caregivers
Adult (19+) | NA | | 2014-07-16T04:00:00Z | | Shawna Silver, MD, FRCPC, FAAP, PEng | | | | 8.00000000000000 | 61.0000000000000 | 1033.00000000000 | | Flat Content | Health A-Z | <p>Find out how active transportation and child-friendly communities can help children be more physically active.<br></p> | <p>The growing popularity of cars in North America over the past 50 years has created suburbs and towns that require many people to drive every day. As a result, children are often travelling by car instead of walking, bicycling or using another form of transportation. This reliance on cars can have a major impact on children’s health and development and on the types of neighbourhoods in which they live.</p> | | <h2>Key points</h2>
<ul>
<li>Heavy car use can make children less active, less connected from the environment and less independent.</li>
<li>Active transportation reduces reliance on cars by travelling on foot or by bike for some journeys instead.</li>
<li>Parents can encourage active transportation by taking part in car-free days, helping a child find the best walking and cycling routes nearby and getting involved in making a child’s school safer for those who walk or cycle there.</li>
<li>Child-friendly communities can make active transportation more realistic because they are safe and accessible and integrate nature, local amenities and the needs of different age groups.</li>
</ul> | <h2>How car use affects children</h2><p>Car use affects children's health, development and safety in a number of ways.</p><ul><li>Children who are less
<a href="/Article?contentid=642&language=English">physically active</a> have an increased risk of health problems, including being <a href="/Article?contentid=640&language=English">overweight</a>.</li><li>Children who see life mainly “through the car windshield” are less connected with the environment around them.</li><li>Heavy traffic reduces children's ability to travel independently.
<a href="/Article?contentid=1955&language=English">Safety</a> concerns may mean that they cannot walk or bicycle around their neighbourhood or go to nearby parks, schools and stores.</li><li>Traffic limits children's ability to play in the front yard or the street, which in turn limits how long they play and the richness of that play.</li></ul><p>Urban planners, local government, real estate developers and public transit authorities, among others, all influence how neighbourhoods develop and what type of transport is available. But despite the involvement of many groups in creating communities, there are still ways for parents to get children moving differently to and from school and make communities safer.</p><h2>How parents can create child-friendly journeys</h2><h3>Encourage active transportation</h3><ul><li>Active transportation means making a journey on foot or by bicycle instead of by car or bus. Next time you make a trip, consider if walking or bicycling could get you and your child to your destination instead.</li><li>Involve your child in decisions about how to get around. Given the choice, many children would prefer walking, bicycling or in-line skating to taking the car to get where they want to go.</li><li>Be a role model. Use active transportation for your own journeys whenever you can.</li><li>Walk and bicycle with your child. Help them find the best routes to where they want to go and teach them how to get around safely.</li><li>If your child must use public transit, start teaching them how to use it at a young age.</li><li>Take part in car-free days. Encourage your neighbours and co-workers to take part as well.</li><li>Start a "walking school bus" to get your child and your neighbours' children to school. A physically active school commute can be a fun social time for kids.</li><li>Get involved in making your child's school safer for children who walk there. Try to get the school to give priority to pedestrians instead of cars and reduce engine idling and traffic congestion at drop-off points.</li><li>Find out if your child's school has safe and secure storage for bicycles. If not, encourage the school to provide it.</li></ul><h3>Advocate for a "child-friendly community"</h3><p>Sometimes, certain conditions need to be in place for active transportation to be a realistic option. This is where the concept of a "child-friendly community" arises.</p><p>In his Bill of Rights for Kids, Colorado architect Harry Teague advocates for child-friendly communities that:</p><ul><li>are safe and accessible</li><li>are built to an appropriate scale</li><li>integrate nature, work and the needs of different ages and sexes into the surroundings</li><li>show elements of tradition</li></ul><p>The following sample questions can help you decide if your own neighbourhood is a healthy, friendly place for your family.</p><p>
<em>Safety</em></p><ul><li>Is there a lot of traffic? What is the speed limit?</li><li>Are there sidewalks on at least one side of every street?</li><li>Are there bike paths or bike lanes?</li><li>Are there narrow streets to slow down drivers and help pedestrians and cyclists cross?</li><li>On busier streets, are there many crosswalks and traffic lights?</li><li>Are there "eyes on the street" - neighbours and workers who will keep an eye out for trouble and be able to give help if needed? Do homes have front porches and windows facing the street?</li><li>Is there enough street lighting?</li></ul><p>
<em>Accessibility</em></p><ul><li>Is the neighbourhood close enough to where children need and want to go - schools, parks, playgrounds, recreational facilities, stores, libraries, friends and family - for them to walk or bicycle there?</li><li>Is it cut off by a major road or highway?</li><li>Is it near public transit that goes somewhere useful or will kids have to take a number of buses?</li><li>Are there places to park a bicycle when shopping or going to the library?</li><li>Do other people walk or bicycle?</li></ul><p>
<em>Integration</em></p><ul><li>Do other kids live nearby?</li><li>How easy is it for kids in the neighbourhood to play together in a casual, unstructured way?</li><li>Can you and your family get to know neighbours and local shopkeepers?</li><li>Does the community have a mix of features such as schools, parks, recreational facilities, places of worship, stores, a library, doctor, dentist or opportunities for after-school or summer jobs?</li><li>Do people of different ages and backgrounds live in the area?</li><li>Have natural areas in the neighbourhood been preserved?</li><li>If your housing needs change, are different types of housing – large and small houses or apartments – available in the neighbourhood?</li></ul><p>
<em>Tradition</em></p><ul><li>Are there monuments, landmarks or natural areas that can anchor kids to their community?</li><li>What are the plans to develop the area in the future?</li></ul><p>If your neighbourhood falls short in some areas, you might decide to share your findings with neighbours and bring your requests as a group to your local government representative.</p><h2>Why child-friendly communities matter</h2><p>A neighbourhood that is good for kids is good for the whole family and the whole community. Specifically, child-friendly communities give children the best opportunity to make active transportation a reality for their regular journeys.</p>
<br> | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/keeping_kids_on_the_move_the_role_of_active_transportation.jpg | Keeping kids on the move | |
| Pregnancy nutrition: How to ease digestive discomfort through diet | Pregnancy nutrition: How to ease digestive discomfort through diet | Pregnancy nutrition: How to ease digestive discomfort through diet | P | English | Pregnancy | Adult (19+) | NA | NA | Non-drug treatment | Adult (19+) | NA | | 2016-12-22T05:00:00Z | | Stacey Segal, BScA, MSc, RD;Daina Kalnins, MSc, RD | | | | 8.00000000000000 | 57.0000000000000 | 547.000000000000 | | Health (A-Z) - Procedure | Health A-Z | <p>Learn the common digestive complications of pregnancy and how you can ease symptoms through small changes in diet.</p> | <p>Pregnancy is often a time of anticipation and excitement, but it also brings
<a href="/Article?contentid=317&language=English">physical and hormonal changes</a> that can cause varying levels of discomfort. Common pregnancy-related digestive upsets include nausea, vomiting, heartburn and constipation. In many cases, these discomforts can be eased through small changes in diet, daily routines and activity levels.</p> | | <h2>Key points</h2>
<ul>
<li>Common pregnancy-related symptoms include nausea, vomiting, heartburn and constipation.</li>
<li>Symptoms often occur because of hormonal changes during pregnancy. Heartburn can also be caused by pressure from the growing uterus against the stomach.</li>
<li>Small changes in diet and lifestyle can help ease symptoms.</li>
<li>Always talk to your doctor or dietitian before starting a new treatment for pregnancy symptoms.</li>
</ul> | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | <h2>How to ease digestive discomfort in pregnancy</h2>
<h3>Nausea and vomiting</h3>
<p><a href="/Article?contentid=347&language=English">Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy</a> are thought to be linked to changing hormone levels. They affect more than half of all pregnant women.</p>
<p>If you have nausea or vomiting in pregnancy, try these tips to ease the symptoms.</p>
<ul>
<li>Eat small meals every two to three hours.</li>
<li>Try eating a piece of bread or a cracker before getting up in the morning.</li>
<li>Have a snack before bedtime or during the night.</li>
<li>Try <a href="/Article?contentid=1443&language=English">carbohydrate-rich</a> foods such as fruit, diluted fruit juice, breads and cereals.</li>
<li>Try adding ginger to your diet. Ask your doctor to recommend a supplement and the best way to take it (for example swallow capsule whole or break it and mix in liquid).</li>
<li>Do not skip meals.</li>
<li>Avoid high-fat and fried foods.</li>
<li>Avoid strong food smells and cooking odours.</li>
<li>Avoid highly seasoned foods.</li>
</ul>
<p>If you experience severe vomiting during pregnancy, called hyperemesis gravidarum, you are at risk for dehydration and weight loss. You may need to be treated with medication and receive fluids through an intravenous (IV) line.</p>
<h3>Heartburn</h3>
<p>Heartburn can occur when the enlarged uterus presses up against the stomach, forcing stomach contents up into the esophagus. It may also be caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy. While uncomfortable, heartburn only becomes a problem in pregnancy if it causes you to stop eating.</p>
<p>To minimize heartburn, try these tips.</p>
<ul>
<li>Eat small amounts of lower-fat foods frequently.</li>
<li>Eat slowly and chew food well.</li>
<li>Avoid spicy foods that seem to make heartburn worse.</li>
<li>Avoid lying down for one or two hours after eating.</li>
<li>Avoid bending after eating.</li>
</ul>
<p>If you experience heartburn, do not take antacids unless directed by your doctor.</p>
<h3>Constipation</h3>
<p>Constipation is another concern during pregnancy, and it affects many women. Constipation is linked to changing hormone levels and pressure from the enlarged uterus on the colon. It also results from a diet low in fibre and fluids and from lack of physical activity.</p>
<p>Try these tips to ease symptoms.</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="/Article?contentid=964&language=English">Increase fibre intake</a> by eating whole grain breads, beans and lentils, vegetables and fruits.</li>
<li>Drink eight to 12 cups of fluid per day, including water, milk and diluted juice (in water or low-sodium carbonated water).</li>
<li>Walk or swim regularly to stay active.</li>
</ul>
<p>If you experience constipation, avoid taking laxatives unless directed by your doctor.</p>
<p>There are many things to consider to help ensure that you and your growing baby are healthy during your pregnancy. While it might seem overwhelming sometimes, it is important to enjoy this time if you can. Nourishing your unborn baby can be one of the most rewarding times in your life.</p> | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/pregnancy_nutrition_easing_digestive_discomfort.jpg | Pregnancy nutrition | |
| Sun: Protecting your child's skin | Sun: Protecting your child's skin | Sun: Protecting your child's skin | S | English | Dermatology | Child (0-12 years);Teen (13-18 years) | Skin | Dermatologic system | Conditions and diseases | Caregivers
Adult (19+) | NA | | 2013-09-19T04:00:00Z | | Miriam Weinstein, MD, FRCPC;Michelle Lee, RN;Jackie Su, RN;Elena Pope, MD, MSc, FRCPC;Charis Kelly, RN(EC), MN | | | | 0 | 0 | 0 | | Health (A-Z) - Conditions | Health A-Z | <p>Too much sun exposure can damage your child's skin. Learn how choosing the correct sunscreen and wearing proper clothing can help to protect your child's skin.</p> | <p>Too much sun exposure can cause severe sunburns, including blisters, illness, shivering and <a href="/Article?contentid=30&language=English">fever</a>. In the long term, too much sun exposure can also cause early aging of the skin and even skin cancer.</p><p>It is important to protect your child's skin from the sun. This can include applying sunscreens, wearing sun-protective clothing and avoiding the sun completely.<br></p> | | <h2>Key points</h2>
<ul>
<li>Too much sun exposure can cause sunburns and long-term skin damage, including early aging of the skin and cancer. </li>
<li>It is important to protect your child's skin from the sun. This can include applying sunscreens, wearing sun-protective clothing and avoiding the sun completely. </li>
<li>Your child or teenager should not use tanning beds.</li>
</ul> | | | | | | | | | <h2>General tips to protect the skin</h2>
<ul>
<li>The sun's rays are at their strongest between 11am and 3pm.</li>
<li>The sun's rays can still reach your child on cloudy days.</li>
<li>The fairer your child's skin, the greater the chance that your child will get a sunburn.</li>
<li>Babies under six months should stay in the shade at all times. Sunscreens are not recommended for this age group.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Sunscreens</h2>
<p>Sunscreens that your child can use on the skin:</p>
<ul>
<li>protect against the sun's harmful rays (UV rays) </li>
<li>protect against sunburn </li>
<li>help prevent sun-related skin changes such as wrinkles, pigment (skin colour) changes and skin cancer.</li>
</ul>
<p>Choose a sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB. These are the damaging components of sunlight.</p>
<p>Sun protection factor (SPF) refers to the degree of protection from UVB rays. It does not include protection against UVA rays.</p>
<p>Chemicals that protect the skin against UVA include:</p>
<ul>
<li>oxybenzone </li>
<li>avobenzone </li>
<li>ecamsule </li>
</ul>
<p>Sunscreens that contain ingredients such as titanium dioxide and zinc dioxide protect against both UVA and UVB.</p>
<h3>Choosing and using sunscreen</h3>
<p>Follow these steps when choosing and using sunscreen:</p>
<ul>
<li>Choose a sunscreen that has an SPF of 30 or higher.</li>
<li>Apply sunscreen liberally and often to all parts of the body that are exposed to the sun, especially the face and neck.</li>
<li>Re-apply sunscreen every two to three hours, especially if your child has been perspiring from doing outdoor activities or their skin has become wet, for example from playing in water or swimming.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Other tips for reducing sun exposure</h2>
<ul>
<li>Avoid tanning beds. Studies have shown that using tanning beds increases your risk for skin damage and skin cancer significantly.</li>
<li>Avoid going out in the sun between 11am and 3pm. This is when UV radiation is the strongest. Do outdoor activities earlier or later in the day.</li>
<li>Avoid sunbathing. Look for areas that are shaded or covered instead of sitting in the direct sun.</li>
<li>Wear loose, long-sleeved cotton tops and pants. These help keep your child covered and cool during the day. Cotton and linen are the best materials for staying cool. </li>
<li>Wear a sunhat.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Medications and sun exposure</h2>
<p>Certain medications may cause skin to become more sensitive to sunlight. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for more information.</p> | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | <img alt="" src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/Sun_protecting_your_childs_skin.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | | | | | | | | https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/Sun_protecting_your_childs_skin.jpg | Sun safety | |
| Vitiligo | Vitiligo | Vitiligo | V | English | Dermatology | Child (0-12 years);Teen (13-18 years) | Skin | Skin | Conditions and diseases | Caregivers
Adult (19+) | NA | https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/PMD_vitiligo_darker_skin_EN.jpg | 2016-06-24T04:00:00Z | | Michael Bishara, BSc, MD, FRCPC;Irene Lara-Corrales, MSc, MD | | | | 9.00000000000000 | 55.0000000000000 | 826.000000000000 | | Health (A-Z) - Conditions | Health A-Z | <p>Vitiligo is a condition that causes skin and sometimes hair to turn white. Learn about its causes and how it is diagnosed and treated.</p> | <h2>What is vitiligo?</h2><p>Vitiligo is a condition that causes patches of skin, and sometimes hair, to turn white. This skin condition occurs in roughly one person in a hundred and affects girls and boys equally.</p>
<figure>
<img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/PMD_vitiligo_darker_skin_EN.jpg" alt="" /> </figure><figure>
<img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/PMD_vitiligo_lighter_skin_EN.jpg" alt="" /> </figure>
<br> | | <h2>Key points</h2><ul><li>Vitiligo is a skin condition that makes parts of the skin or hair turn white. It is thought to be an autoimmune reaction but can also sometimes occur after a cut or other injury to the skin.</li><li>Treatments include creams and lotions, medications and light therapy. These may not always completely remove vitiligo and cannot prevent new patches from forming.</li><li>See a doctor if your child’s vitiligo does not improve or looks different than before or if you have concerns about changes in their health.</li></ul> | | <h2>How does vitiligo affect the body?</h2>
<p>Vitiligo is a condition that affects skin or hair colour only. It is usually more obvious in those with darker skin. It can occur anywhere on the body, causing skin colour differences of various shapes and sizes. However, some areas of the body are more commonly affected than others.</p>
<p>In rare cases, patients with vitiligo may have other autoimmune diseases. For example, their immune system may also attack their thyroid gland. If your child is diagnosed with vitiligo, their doctor should order blood tests to check for any other autoimmune disease.</p> | <h2>What causes vitiligo?</h2>
<p>The exact cause of vitiligo is not known, but it is thought to be an autoimmune reaction. This means that it occurs when the immune system attacks healthy cells in the body. In vitiligo, the cells that are attacked are called melanocytes. These are special cells that give skin and hair its pigment (colour).</p>
<p>Vitiligo may affect more than one person in a family, suggesting that genetics may be a factor. Patients sometimes also notice that their vitiligo starts after a cut or other injury to their skin. You may hear your doctor call this a Koebner phenomenon.</p> | | <h2>How is vitiligo diagnosed?</h2>
<p>Your child’s doctor will often diagnose vitiligo simply by looking at your child’s skin. Because vitiligo is less obvious in paler skin, the doctor might sometimes use a special light called a Wood’s Lamp to help them detect changes more easily. If your child needs to be examined with the aid of a Wood’s Lamp, they may be asked to go into a dark room so that the light can be shone on their skin.</p> | <h2>How is vitiligo treated?</h2>
<p>Different treatments are possible depending on how much vitiligo is present and where it appears on the body.</p>
<h3>Topical treatments</h3>
<p>Topical treatments are ointments, creams, gels or lotions that are applied directly to the skin. They include topical steroid medications.</p>
<p>Calcineurin inhibitors are topical medications that help regulate the immune system in the skin. They are especially useful when applied to the face, skin folds and flexural areas such as inside the elbow or the back of the knee.</p>
<p>Topical treatments are recommended for small areas of vitiligo, but they may be more challenging to use, and carry side effects, if vitiligo is more widespread. Depending on the part of their body that is affected, your child might receive different mixes and strengths of a topical steroid.</p>
<h3>Light therapy</h3>
<p>Light therapy involves focusing a special ultraviolet light on the affected areas of skin. The treatment usually requires several sessions and is reserved for patients with very widespread vitiligo, for whom applying a topical medication is challenging.</p>
<p>This treatment requires a person to stand still in a small space with lamps around them, as they may be burned if they move. For this reason, light therapy may not be suitable for young children. Some concerns have also been raised about light therapy and the long-term increased risk for skin cancer, especially in those with paler skin.</p>
<p>Other treatments such as laser therapy and skin grafting are also possible, but there is limited information about their use in children.</p>
<h3>How effective are treatments for vitiligo?<br></h3>
<p>Unfortunately vitiligo is a very unpredictable disease. Even with all the available treatments, some areas may not return to their usual colour. In addition, there is no way for doctors to prevent new areas of vitiligo from developing.<br></p>
<p>Because treatment is not always successful, some patients may choose not to do anything or will instead use special make-up on the affected skin to make it blend in with the rest of the body.</p> | | | | <h2>When to see a doctor for vitiligo</h2>
<p>After initial diagnosis and treatment, see your child’s doctor if:</p>
<ul>
<li>your child’s vitiligo is getting larger, not improving or looks different than before</li>
<li>you suspect your child has been experiencing symptoms such as gaining or losing weight easily or feeling tired easily. Their doctor can order blood tests to rule out related systemic conditions such as <a href="https://akhpub.aboutkidshealth.ca/article?contentid=841&language=English">anemia</a> or <a href="https://akhpub.aboutkidshealth.ca/article?contentid=2309&language=English">hypothyroidism</a>.<br></li>
</ul> | <h2>Does my child’s vitiligo need any special long-term care?</h2>
<p>Yes, the areas affected by vitiligo will need good <a href="https://akhpub.aboutkidshealth.ca/article?contentid=308&language=English">sun protection</a> to avoid <a href="https://akhpub.aboutkidshealth.ca/article?contentid=768&language=English">sunburn</a> and minimize the risks of skin cancer.</p> | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
