Genetics plays a large role. SIDS is more common in boys than in girls, and it is more common in some population groups (Black, Native American, Hawaiian, Filipino, Maori).
Most of the affected infants have damaged or immature brainstems, making it difficult for them to wake up when they are in trouble. A recent series of autopsies has demonstrated visible brain abnormalities in over 70 percent of the SIDS babies examined (Pediatric Neurology, Jul 1998).
While parents often feel horribly responsible after SIDS, sometimes there is nothing they could have done to prevent it.
Almost 35,000 healthy babies in Italy had EKGs performed in the first week of life. They were then followed for a year. Most of those who ended up dying of SIDS had an abnormality on their original EKGs (a prolonged QTc interval). Those with this abnormality were more than 40 times more likely than their peers to die from SIDS (New England Journal of Medicine, Jun 11, 1998).
Anything that causes less oxygen to get to the baby in the uterus will increase his or her risk. On average, smoking during pregnancy doubles the chances, and the odds increase with each cigarette. Other drugs of abuse such as cocaine or heroine increase the risk by as many as thirty times.
The media often focus on "crack babies," but tobacco use continues in approximately 25% of all pregnancies in the United States (J Pharmacol Exp Ther, Jun 1998). Nicotine exposure is responsible for many more SIDS deaths than any other drug of abuse, including cocaine. Stopping smoking during pregnancy is the most immediate step we can take to save infants' lives.
Minimizing caffeine use during pregnancy is another way to protect your child. Those babies whose mothers drank 4 or more cups of coffee per day could have up to twice the risk of SIDS (Arch Dis Child, Jan 1998).
SIDS is more common in babies who sleep in warm environments, who are over-bundled, who sleep in rooms with space heaters, who are exposed to cigarette smoke, who sleep on soft surfaces, who do not use pacifiers, and those who sleep face down or in a prone position.
The rate of SIDS is higher in those babies who do not receive timely well-child care and immunizations.
Putting children to sleep on their backs lowers the risk of SIDS by about three times. Use firm bedding in a slightly cool room.
Breastfeeding may also reduce the risk of SIDS, but the studies remain inconclusive.
The SIDS rate has dropped by more than half in the last few years to 0.7 per one thousand live births in the United States. Changes in sleeping positions are being credited for the reductions (AAP News, Jan 98).
The peak period for SIDS is between two and four months old. It is very rare before one month of age, and at least 95% of all the cases have occurred before children reach six months old.
What do babies and teens have in common? Seborrhea!
What is seborrhea?
Seborrhea is a chronic skin condition that shows up where and when the sebaceous glands in the skin are most active.
Who gets seborrhea?
Anyone can get seborrhea. Seborrhea is more common in children than in adults, especially during the first year of life and during the teenage years.
Most people with seborrhea are otherwise healthy, but people with HIV often develop severe seborrhea.
What are the symptoms of seborrhea?
The main feature of seborrhea during childhood is red skin covered with greasy, crusty scales. It’s most common behind the ears, under the arms, in the diaper area, and on the face and neck. In the first month of life it is most common on the scalp, where it is called cradle cap. In teens, the seborrhea may only appear as the dry flakes of dandruff. It may also appear on the eyelids or concentrated in the beard area. Occasionally it shows up in ear canals or in the belly button.
If seborrhea itches at all, the itching is typically mild.
Is seborrhea contagious?
No
How long does seborrhea last?
Most seborrhea in babies disappears by the first birthday. In teens, it may only be present during puberty, or it may become a lifelong condition.
How is seborrhea diagnosed?
Seborrhea is usually diagnosed based on the physical exam.
How is seborrhea treated?
Seborrhea is often treated with an anti-seborrhea shampoo containing sulfur, salicylic acid, selenium, zinc, or tar. Stronger treatments are available if needed.
Some children have eczema or fungal infections in the same areas. This needs to be treated at the same time. (J Am Acad Dermatol 1993 Dec;29(6):1008-12).
How can seborrhea be prevented?
Often seborrhea cannot be prevented. Sometimes gentle skin cleansing and avoiding excess perspiration can reduce or prevent seborrhea.
To find clues as to the best toys, turn off the TV, put away the passive-play toys, and watch your child. Many kids will begin to play spontaneously, using whatever is at hand; take note of what they choose to play with. Click here for more tips on toys for two-year-olds.
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