Ask the Experts

Megan Maciel

KVC KANSAS KVC Kansas provides heart-centered services to children and families through in-home family support, foster care, adoption, behavioral health care and children’s psychiatric hospitals. 913.499.8100, Kansas.kvc.org

Christine Khong, MD

ADVENTHEALTH AdventHealth Shawnee Mission’s pediatricians and primary care providers offer compassionate, expert care for children of all ages. Find a provider at AdventHealthKC.com.

Q

What is the main goal of foster care?

Foster care is a temporary arrangement for children and teens when their parents or caregivers are going through crisis. When youth cannot remain safely in the home, child welfare agencies work diligently with the family to resolve the conflicts or disruptions that resulted in the child entering foster care through intensive family-centered services. The primary goal is to return the child to his or her home with additional supports in place for the family. Foster families come alongside the biological family to provide support while the family is in crisis, provide a stable home environment for the children and teens, and model appropriate parenting. Megan Maciel

Director of Recruitment and Communication, KVC Kansas

Q

My daughter has eczema. What’s best to help with the itching?

Avoid dry skin! This will help with the itching. Her skin should be moisturized often—ideally two to three times a day. The best time to apply moisturizer is after a bath or shower, with the skin gently patted dry. Moisturize with oil-based products such as ointments (like petroleum jelly) and creams, instead of lotions. Kids should take short baths or showers in warm—not hot—water. Use mild, unscented soaps. Wear soft clothes that are breathable such as those made from cotton. Sometimes anti-allergy medicine is needed at bedtime to help itchy kids sleep better at night. Talk to your doctor to ask whether topical corticosteroids, oatmeal soaking products and/ or bleach baths are needed. Christine Khong, MD

Family Medicine, AdventHealth Medical Group Primary Care at Prairie Village

ASK THE EXPERTS...If you have a question, send it our way and we’ll ask one of our experts to answer. Email editor@kcparent.com and put “Ask the Experts” in the subject line. As always, please consult your health care provider with any medical questions or concerns.