Colic, Teething and Cradle Cap Flashcards
What is colic? How can it be identified?
repeated episodes of excessive and inconsolable crying in an infant who appears healthy and thriving
- cries 3 hours a day for more than 3 days a week for more than 3 weeks
happens in babies under 3 months
What are the causes of colic?
smoking during pregnancy
gut spasms
bubbles of trapped air in the digestive system
sensitivity to feed
immature digestive system
problems in under and over feeding
bottle fed - teat is too small
breast fed - air swallowed due to longer duration or empty breast
What are the symptoms of colic?
crying where the baby can’t be comforted
- usually in late afternoon and evening
red and flushed in the face
may draw their knees up
clenching of the fists and arching of the back
What are non-medicinal treatments for colic?
holding the baby upright during feeding
adequate burping after feeding
gently massing the baby’s stomach
music or monotonous sounds
- white noise
What are medicinal treatments for colic?
simeticone
- infacol or dentinox
- breaks tiny bubbles of air to form larger bubbles that are easier to bring up
lactase
- can be added too formula
- breaks down lactose in babies milk making it easier to digest
gripe water
- woodward’s gripe water
- contains alkaline substances and soothing ingredients
When should colic be referred?
infants that are failing to put on weight
medication failure
over-anxious parents
What is teething? When does it occur?
deciduous teeth (milk teeth) emerge through the gums
begins around 6-8 months and continues until 2-3 years
permanent teeth break through at about 6 months
What are the symptoms of teething?
restlessness, irritability and disturbed sleep patterns
dribbling
sore, red gums
flushed cheeks
loss of appetite
sudden desire to chew on things
an urge to bite
ear rubbing
disturbed sleep
What are medicinal treatments of teething?
pain - paracetamol or ibuprofen
local anaesthetics or mild antiseptic - teethings gels like bongela, dentinox
What are non-medicinal treatments for teething?
rubbing their gums lightly
teething rings - chilled in the fridge or with a cold, wet flannel
chilled fruits or vegetables
What are the symptoms of cradle cap?
yellow, greasy scaly patches on the scalp
affected area of skin appears red
Where can cradle cap spread to?
behind the ears
nappy area/groin
nose
armpits
backs of the knees
- in areas other than the scalp, it is called seborrhoeic eczema
What are non-medicinal treatments for cradle cap?
gently washing the baby’s hair may prevent build up of the scale
massage baby oil or petroleum jelly into the scalp and use a soft baby brush or cloth to remove any loose particles
What are medicinal treatments to treat cradle cap?
dentinox cradle shampoo
