Fifth disease, or erythema infectiosum, is caused by a virus called the human parvovirus B19. It most often infects school aged children, and appearing most frequently in the winter and spring. It is also possible for adults to get the virus, and for it to occur anytime during the year. The name fifth disease was given to the viral infection because it was one of the five most common illnesses of childhood in the past that the main characteristic was a rash. Fifth disease is also called slapped cheek syndrome or disease because of the characteristic rash that appears of[Read more...]
Frostbite, also known as congelatio, is a cold weather injury caused by freezing of the skin and underlying tissues. During cold, windy, wintery weather, exposed skin is most vulnerable to acquiring frostbite. The most commonly affected areas of frostbite include the fingers, toes, nose, ears, cheeks and chin. Frostbite occurs when extreme cold damages the skin and deeper tissues under the skin, leading to contraction of blood vessels, reduced blood flow and oxygen to the affected area. As the skin becomes damaged, you begin to feel odd sensations like numbness and tingling, and changes in skin colour. Depending on length[Read more...]
Chilblains, also known as pernio, are a condition that is most common in the cold winter months. They are a painful reaction to warming the skin too quickly after being exposed to cold temperatures. What causes chilblains? The exact reason why chilblains occur is not known. The common thought is that they occur in response to warming the skin after being exposed to extreme cold. When you are exposed to cold, the tiny blood vessels in your skin narrow. Warming the skin after cold exposure can cause these tiny vessels to expand back to their normal size more quickly than[Read more...]
Pinkeye, also called conjunctivitis, is the inflammation of a membrane of the eye. This membrane, or conjunctiva, covers the white part of your eyeball. In your eye you have tiny blood vessels that usually are not easily seen, but when these blood vessels become inflamed or irritated, they are more easily visible. When they are more visible, the whites of your eye (the sclera) become pink or red, giving pinkeye its characteristic name. What causes pinkeye? Pinkeye can be caused by a number of different things, like viruses, bacteria, allergens, getting something in your eye, or a blocked tear duct.[Read more...]
What is the chickenpox? Chickenpox is a very contagious infection that is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. The infection causes a very itchy, blistery rash all over a person’s body. Routine vaccination against the varicella virus has significantly decreased the number of cases of the chickenpox we see each year. Prior to the vaccine, it wasn’t abnormal for everyone to have been infected with the virus sometime before adulthood. How is the chickenpox spread? Being that the chickenpox is so contagious, the virus is easily spread from one person to another through the air or through direct contact with a[Read more...]
What is a headache? A headache is defined as a pain that occurs anywhere in the head or neck region. They are more common among older children and teenagers. Although headaches can be concerning to a parent, they are often not associated with serious medical problems. Children, like adults, get the same type of headaches, and they may even be hereditary, meaning if you as a parent have headaches or migraines, it is possible that your children will also have them. What are the different types of headaches? Tension Headache – This type of headache is usually a result of[Read more...]
Measles, also known as rubeola, is an infection caused by a virus. The measles was once very common all over North America, but since the introduction of the measles vaccine in 1968, the number of measles cases and deaths has reduced drastically. Measles occurs most often in the winter months, and is very contagious to others around you. Measles can cause a mild infection, or can be severe causing death. What are the signs and symptoms of measles? The following are some of the signs and symptoms that your child may show if infected with the measles: Fever – this[Read more...]
What is a bruise? A bruise, also known as a contusion in the medical world, is damage of the soft tissues (i.e. skin, muscles, tendons, etc.) of the body caused by trauma. Trauma can be minor or major depending on how the injury occurs. When soft tissues are damaged the blood vessels under the skin can break and cause leaking of red blood cells under the skin. This leakage causes a blue, purple, red or black discolouration of the skin; this is a bruise. Why do bruises change colour? The changes in the colour of the bruising is related to[Read more...]
Hypothermia occurs when your body is losing heat faster than it can make heat. This causes the body’s temperature to drop dangerously low. This drop in body temperature is considered a medical emergency. Normal body temperature is around 37⁰C (98.6⁰F), and hypothermia happens when core body temperature drops below 35⁰C (95⁰F). When your temperature drops this low, your body cannot function properly, and if left untreated hypothermia can cause serious life threatening damage. What causes hypothermia? The most common culprit of hypothermia is exposure to cold weather or water. Each person is different so, the amount of time exposed to[Read more...]
A fever is an abnormally elevated body temperature. It is often a sign of the body’s defense system working in overdrive to fight off an infection. There are many different causes of fevers, and they can be associated with a number of symptoms depending on their cause. How to measure body temperature in infants and children: For an infant, the best and most effective way to measure a temperature is rectally. This is done by inserting a thermometer into the anus. If the temperature on the thermometer reads 38⁰C (100.4⁰F) or higher, that is considered a fever. The most common[Read more...]
