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Common Illnesses in Newborns

Every new parent hopes that their child's health will be free of all health complications, but a number of illnesses have been shown to afflict many newborns on a regular basis. Let's discuss five most common illnesses in newborns with causes, symptoms and treatment options for each.

The rotovirus is a viral infection found in babies and young children. Symptoms of the illness include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and fever. The virus acts by attacking the lining of the small intestine. This results in dehydration from excessive loss of fluids and electrolytes. Often these symptoms will last from three to ten days. Infected with the rotavirus children can be contagious for ten to twelve days following the first signs of diarrhea. Usually home treatment consists of rest and administration of specially made electrolyte replacement products. Examples of these include gastrolyte, pedialyte and plamalyte.

Oral thrush is an infection caused by the yeast fungus known as Candida albicans. It is also called candidosis or moniliasis (though usually these terms describe the appearance of infection in adults) - candida albicans. Oral thrush often finds its way into the human body when the immune system is in a weakened state. Especially newborn babies are at risk from infections such as oral thrush. Two specific causes of oral thrush are a reaction to antibiotics and transmission from a mother with a yeast infection. The main and obvious symptom of oral thrush is evidence of painful white lesions on the inside of the mouth. After diagnosing oral thrush or a yeast infection both the mother and her baby should be treated simultaneously. The most common medication used to treat such infection is Nystatin.

Cradle cap is a common scalp and skin condition caused by excess oil production from the scalp. Symptoms include flaky, scaly or greasy crusts on the scalp, ears or eyebrows of an infant. Cradle cap can be treated by first loosening the crusts. To cope with it use baby, olive or mineral oil and rub gently the crusts for ten minutes followed shortly by shampooing. Comb the hair in one direction with a baby comb, carefully removing crust remnants as you go. During the first three weeks following the treatment you should shampoo your child's hair three times a week. Afterwards, use the anti-dandruff shampoo once a week until the cradle cap is completely gone. Remember to contact your pediatrician immediately in case if the condition worsens or the area of the skin begins to look infected.

Cat scratch fever is a bacterial infection caused by the microorganism Bartonella henselae. Most often it is caused from a scratch or bite of a cat or kitten. Small pimples forming around the wound as it heals are the symptoms of a cat scratch infection. These pimples can last up to a month. Your baby's lymph nodes may become swollen and tender. Other symptoms include headache, fever, poor appetite and fatigue. If you suspect that your child has developed cat scratch fever, you should contact your pediatrician immediately. Before your doctor sees your baby you can take some preventative measures and clean carefully scratches and bites from cats with soap and water.

Like oral thrush, ringworm is a fungal infection of the skin. It generally affects the scalp in a condition called tinea capitis. When the fungal infection is present on the body it is referred to as tinea coporis. Symptoms of a ringworm infection in infants include coin-sized scaly patches. These rashes may be dry or moist and generally stop growing once they are an inch in diameter. Ringworm on the scalp may look like bald spots or scaly patches with hair broken off in the center. Sometimes ringworm is inappropriately confused with cradle cap. Any treatment for ringworm should begin by consulting with your pediatrician. Most likely you will be suggested to use an over-the-counter anti-fungus cream. Further prevention of reinfection includes carefully washing your baby's bedding until the infection is completely cleared up.

The presence of any one of these illnesses would be cause for concern by any parent. Thankfully, with proper attention to symptoms, consultation with a pediatrician and careful treatment each of them can be addressed and cured. Be attentive examining your small child and pay attention on any changes of its condition. Remember that with patience and care you will be able to return to the joy of nourishing your healthy newborn child.