Dermatology

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This year's innovations include a hearing screener, a glucose monitor, new rapid optical immunoassays, and a CD-ROM version of the Red Book. Meanwhile, technologies that could revolutionize your practice are getting more sophisticated and affordable all the time.

Is it food allergy?

Parents often believe that their child's hives or GI upsets are caused by a sensitivity to a particular food. Confirming their suspicions relies on knowledge of common symptoms of food allergy and a diagnostic process that may or may not include skin prick or blood tests.

Acne remains an unavoidable part of growing up for many adolescents, who must cope with both the cosmetic and psychosocial effects of the disorder. Here's a look at the latest topical and systemic treatment options for mild to moderate acne.

Artificial fingernails are all the rage among adolescents, but those who wear them may be playing with fire?literally. Educating yourself and your patients about the health and safety risks of acrylic nails, including the previously undocumented danger reported here, could prevent potentially disfiguring complications.

Asthma management has come a long way in recent years, but many dilemmas remain: When is the right time to make the diagnosis and start anti-inflammatory therapy? What about growth suppression from steroids? Is an inhaler or nebulizer best for acute attacks?

Hyperandrogenism, most notably polycystic ovary syndrome, is a common cause of acne and menstrual difficulties in teenage girls, yet many pediatricians fail to recognize the condition. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can relieve a significant source of distress for patients, while helping to prevent serious complications later in life.

Minimizing the risk that your patients and employees will acquire a contagious disease in your office demands diligent infection control. This review summarizes guidelines and offers recommendations that can reduce the spread of infection?from what soap and lotion to use for handwashing to what immunizations your office staff need.

Though not as deadly as it once was, HUS remains a serious threat to young children, with a real risk of dangerous complications. Continuing outbreaks caused by E coli O157:H7 highlight the need for accurate diagnosis, intensive supportive care, and effective prevention.

Parents look to pediatricians for advice on bathing their newborn and avoiding diaper rash. Discolorations and lesions (usually benign) are another concern. This review also updates the best way to care for the umbilical cord and addresses special skin-care considerations in premature infants.

The eosinophil can either enhance or suppress immune function, and it's associated with a wide variety of diseases. Little wonder a finding of eosinophilia often leaves pediatricians scratching their heads.

Arthritis can be caused by a range of viruses or other infectious agents, or develop in the wake of an enteric, genitourinary, or respiratory tract infection. Knowing the possible causes and typical signs and symptoms of infection-related arthritides helps make the diagnosis.

New Products

New products of interest to pediatricians

A 7-year-old boy is brought to your office for evaluation of an asymptomatic birthmark on his left buttock. Except for proportional growth, there have been no changes in the lesions.

The mother of a 16-month-old boy brings him to your office for evaluation of a painful blistering rash on the tip of his right thumb. The rash began two days ago as a single blister.