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This link will provide education and discussion on common pediatric problems.

Topic: Fluroide

Fluoride is a supplement that I commonly prescribe at your well visits starting at age 6 months to their teenage years. As we usually discuss, fluoride is an element that helps prevent tooth decay by strengthening the tooth enamel and by helping teeth repair themselves.

According to studies, 66% of the US population receives fluoridated water through their local tap water sources but, unfortunately, most of our local area do not have fluoride in the water and hence the need for supplementation. Please check with your local water company to see if your water has fluoride. Otherwise, if you do not have a prescription for fluoride, please either call or e-mail me for more information at your convienence.

Per a dental sources from the past several years, the following city / zip codes do have fluoride in their water source - but please still check with your water company to confirm this information:

Evergreen, San Jose: 95135, 95138

Mountain View: 94042, 94043, 94044

Palo Alto: 94301 through 06

I've included an excellent review article on fluoride in my In the News link.

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Topic: Eczema

This is a common condition in which the skin is both dry and itchy. To make matters worse, most infants already have a very sensitive skin. It tends to have a genetic cause. (It usually, but not always runs in families.) It can be associated with asthma and seasonal allergies (hay fever). Allergies play a role in this condition. It is generally worse during the fall and spring. The skin is prone to rashes because it is dry and itchy. Usually the dryness and the itchiness preceed the rash. Prevention is the key.

General care (preventive care)

1. Avoid overly drying soaps like Dial, Ivory, and Lifeguard (even Johnson's is too drying)

2. Use Aveno, Nutrogena, Dove, or Cetaphil soap.

3. After bathing, apply a moisturizing cream such as Alpha Keri or Eucerin.

4. Use clothes with 50% cotton or more. Avoid 100% polyester (even in your own clothes because brief contact with acrylics can irritate your baby's skin).

5. Avoid fabric softeners in your wash.

6. Double rince the laundry, stick to one brand of detergent, and preferably a mild detergent!!

7. Don't be in a hurry to introduce lots of solid foods. Food allergies can make things worse.

8. Sometimes milk can make eczema worse. You may want to try a soy formula in stubborn cases.

Medications

In general, infant eczema requires an anti inflammatory medicine (topical steroid creams). These must be used cautiously, except in cases of sever eczema. Used correctly in conjunction with good skin care, these medicines are very helpful in reducing the "itch-scratch" cycle which causes the redness, inflammation, and rashes.

On the face, 1 or 2.5% Hydrocortisone can be used. Stronger steroids are not recommended. For rashes on the extremities, it is ok to use the stronger steroids.

more helpful information on eczmea

Skin

Eczema and Dry Skin

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Topic: Ear Infections (otitis media)

Ear infections are one of the most common reasons to see a Pediatrician. They are often associated with colds or allergies. Please check out the below documents for an excellent review on the topic of otitis media (ear infection).

Ear Infections in Children

Ear Infections - Are Antibiotics Needed?