6 Insights into Your Children’s Health by Dr Peter Chiu

6 Insights into Your Children’s Health

by Dr Peter Chiu

AS PARENTS, OUR CHILDREN’S HEALTH IS A TOP PRIORITY. HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SIX COMMON CHILDREN’S HEALTH ISSUES, COURTESY OF DR PETER CHIU FROM OSLER HEALTH INTERNATIONAL.

1. WORMS

Intestinal worms are a common issue worldwide, and we frequently see children with them in Singapore. The good news is that they are very unlikely to be harmful and are normally easy to deal with once we have diagnosed the problem. Threadworms are the most common and look like tiny white threads around one centimetre long. If your child complains about an itchy bottom, this may be the cause. The problem tends to be exacerbated at night. To kill the worms which are already inside the body we use anthelmintic (anti-worm) medication. This is available in tablet and liquid form and I recommend treating the whole household at the same time, even those without symptoms. The medication is generally harmless and easy to take. I also recommend cutting fingernails short to stop itching and a thorough clean of bedsheets. If your little one is complaining of itchiness, please see a doctor.

2. SKIN PROTECTION

Over 80% of skin cancer is considered preventable by reducing UV radiation exposure. Melanoma is related to intermittent, intense sun exposure – particularly in childhood. The UV Index is an international standard of measurement of the level of UV radiation. It ranges from 0 to 11+. In Singapore we average around 6 to 9 on the UV Index (sometimes it goes into an ‘extreme’ of 15). Skin cancer risks are determined by your skin type (the fairer you are, the higher the risk), family history, the number of moles you have (unfortunately the higher the risk) and the degree of sun exposure throughout your life. Protect your children by ensuring that they wear UV T-shirts and swimming costumes, apply high UV sun-screen, and avoid being in direct sun during midday UV peaks.

3. WATER WARTS

Molluscum contagiosum, also known as water warts, is a mild viral infection of the skin that causes raised spots or warts to appear on your child’s skin. It often affects young children, particularly between the ages of one and five. It is usually harmless, and will probably get better on its own within about 18 months. You are most likely to notice these on your child’s face, chest, tummy, back, armpits, behind his knees or even nappy area, though they can appear anywhere on the body. They usually go away on their own or you can come to the clinic and we can offer treatments such as freezing the warts (cryotherapy).

4. DENGUE FEVER

Many children with dengue fever have mild symptoms that appear anywhere from day 4 to 2 weeks after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Symptoms are generally mild in younger children and those who are infected with the disease for the first time. Older children, adults and those who have had a previous infection may have moderate to severe symptoms, and may develop a serious life-threatening illness called Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF). Most cases resolve within a week or two and won’t cause any lasting problems. However, if symptoms get worse, seek immediate medical care.

Symptoms include:

• Low to high grade fever, possibly as high as 40ºC • Body aches, pain in muscles and bones • Severe headaches • Rash over the body • Mild bleeding from nose or gums • Abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting • Easy bruising • Change in behaviour or irritability

If you think your child may have dengue fever, please contact a doctor immediately.

5. HPV VACCINE

The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination is now given routinely to children in many countries. Though many parents I speak to still consider HPV vaccines to be something new, the vaccine was actually approved for use more than 15 years ago. The most commonly used vaccine is called Gardasil 9 which protects against nine different strains of HPV. HPV infection of the cervix is responsible for practically all cases of cervical cancer. This can be a devastating disease and tends to affect younger women. Although boys can’t get cervical cancer themselves, they can develop other HPV-related cancers, as well as genital warts. By vaccinating boys, we are also offering added protection to their future partners. HPV vaccine is recommended for girls and boys around 10 to 14 years old.

6. MENTAL HEALTH IN TWEENS AND

TEENS

Adolescence is a time of many changes and can be a trying period for teenagers. While it is normal for teens to be moody and unmotivated at times, it is essential to note the tell-tale signs of mental health issues. It is important to state that teen moods are normal (!) and not all behavioural changes in teens indicate a mental health concern. If you notice the following signs in your child for more than a few weeks, it may be worth seeking external support.

• Social withdrawal • Change in appetite • Change in sleep • Change in behaviour • Low mood, or an inability to take pleasure in things • Physical signs of self-harm/injury

The team at Osler provide a safe space for teens with mental health issues. Come in and we can help.

Dr Peter Chiu is a German-speaking family physician based at Osler Health International (Raffles Hotel Arcade clinic). Dr Peter is also the official consulting physician for the German, Austrian and Swiss Embassies. Known for his kind and friendly attitude to everyone, Dr Peter is a trusted doctor to many families in Singapore.

T 6332 2727 W osler-health.com