All children need to get a tetanus shot. When we think of tetanus we often think of rusty nails; however, this bacterium isn’t just found on rusty metal items, it also lives in soil and dirt. If bacteria come in contact with a wound or opening in the skin this can lead to a serious infection. If your child, like many, enjoys running around outside barefoot, they must be keeping up with their tetanus shots.

• Painful and severe muscle spasms
• Shoulder, jaw, and neck stiffness
• Difficulty breathing and swallowing
• Rapid heart rate
• Fever

According to the CDC, approximately 6-12 million American children age 3 to 11 are infested with lice each year. If you suspect your child has come into contact with lice your Bolingbrook pediatrician at Downers Grove Pediatrics can detect the infestation and offer medical treatment. Let the medical professionals at Downers Grove Pediatrics, located in Downers Grove and Bolingbrook, IL, treat a potential lice outbreak in your home.

Detecting Lice On Your Child

Lice are parasitic insects that most commonly infest the hair of young children. Lice are small, brown, and may be hard to detect with the naked eye alone. If you notice your child has developed an irritable or itchy scalp it may be a sign of lice infestation. Other symptoms can include sores developed from itching, inflamed bumps around the head and neck, or visible white lice eggs.

The pediatricians at Downers Grove Pediatrics, located in Bolingbrook, IL and Downers Grove, IL, can help detect lice in children with special techniques and equipment, such as lice comb or Wood's light. After diagnosis, your Bolingbrook pediatrician can recommend the proper solution to your child's infestation.

Treating Lice On Your Child

Lice can be treated in a variety of ways. It is best to contact your local child doctor to determine the right path of treatment for your little one. One form of treatment for lice is insecticidal shampoo or lotion, such as Permethrin lotion. Your Downers Grove pediatrician may also prescribe other types of lotion such as Benzyl alcohol lotion.

It is important to note that all persons in an infested household may be subject to treatment if the lice have spread. Washing all clothing, sheets, and furniture in the house is necessary to eradicate the lice and prevent further infestation.

What to do If Your Child Has Lice?

If you are worried your child has lice, look for the aforementioned symptoms, and follow the guidance of your Bolingbrook pediatrician. Prevent the spread and do not delay treatment. Contact your local children's doctor in Bolingbrook, IL. You can call Downers Grove Pediatrics in Bolingbrook, IL at (630) 759-9230, or contact their Downers Grove Office at (630) 852-4551 to schedule an appointment today.

The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology states that the top chronic condition that affects children in the U.S. is allergies. To safeguard your child from allergens at home and outside, it’s imperative that you know what your child’s allergy triggers are.

Here at Downers Grove Pediatrics, our pediatricians in our Downers Grove, IL, and Bolingbrook, IL, the office can help you learn about your child’s allergies and create an allergy management plan that you and your child can follow.

Top Tips for Managing Allergies at Home

Kids who are allergic to pets shouldn’t keep pets outside the bedroom. If avoidance still doesn’t work, you may have to find your pet a new family. Allergies to dust and mites are likewise very common in kids. In this light, pillows and mattresses should be contained in allergy-proof plastic coverings. Avoid placing stuffed toys on the bed and rugs or carpets on the floor. Wash or change sheets at least once a week.

Also, keep in mind that indoor air pollution that comes from aerosol sprays, cooking fumes, and wood fires could exacerbate allergy symptoms. Using an air conditioner and a proper ventilation system can also help with your indoor air quality. Don’t smoke inside the house. Additionally, if your child is allergic to pests like cockroaches and mice, get your home examined and treated by an exterminator. Don’t leave food crumbs on surfaces and store food in tightly covered containers.

Safeguard your kid from outdoor allergens by monitoring pollen counts and air pollution. These are typically at their highest before noon so you might need to restrict playing outside during those times. You should likewise keep all windows and doors closed. Have your child change clothes and/or take a bath after playing outside.

Managing Allergies in School

Exposure to allergens in school involves plenty of the risks that are also found at home, but there’s an added danger for kids who have food allergies. Prior to going to school, parents should discuss their child’s allergies and the school’s medication policies with the teachers and school health professionals. This is particularly critical for children who’ve had a severe allergic reaction before and require auto-injectable epinephrine.

With accurate medical evaluation and allergy treatment by your pediatrician in our Downers Grove, IL, or Bolingbrook, IL, office, you can ensure your child’s safety inside and outside the house.

Contact Us For Help Managing Your Child’s Allergies

Call our Bolingbrook, IL, office at (630) 759-9230 or our Downers Grove, IL, office at (630) 852-4551 to arrange an appointment with your pediatrician here at Downers Grove Pediatrics.

Accidents happen. Perhaps your child hurt themselves falling off their bike or taking a rough tumble down the stairs. In these instances, the first thing you’ll probably do is check your child over for bumps, bruises, and possibly broken bones. It’s important to recognize whether your child could be dealing with a broken bone so that you can bring them in to see their pediatrician right away.

• Pain
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Tenderness
• A popping or snapping sound at the moment of impact or injury
• Trouble straightening out the limb or affected area
• Unable to put weight on the area
• Limited range of motion or unable to move normally