Thursday, June 26, 2008

CALLUSES – Removing Calluses

Calluses develop on the hands after a particularly repetitive activity such as shoveling, raking, or swinging a tennis racket. On the feet, calluses are often found on the soles just behind the base of the toes, the undersurface of the great toe, and around the edge of the heel. If the great toe is shorter than the adjacent toe (sometimes referred to as Morton's foot), a large callus often forms in the middle of the forefoot behind the base of the second toe. Usually, the other foot is similarly affected.

Calluses may be painful on pressure if they become large, and may precede the development of corns, which are more tender and painful. Callus build-up occurs around and over warts, and may cause much discomfort.

If a callus is shaved down, the normal fine ridges of the skin remain intact. No blood vessels or "seeds" are present and the callus does not exhibit a central core, unlike warts and corns, respectively.

Several factors are prominent in the development of calluses. Faulty weight distribution, whether due to foot problems or ill fitting shoes, is a common denominator. Shoes that are too narrow, have high heels, or soft, flexible soles can produce undue stress. Structural and functional deformities of the feet and toes can also be causal.


Removing Calluses

Calluses are usually less bothersome than corns and may not require much attention. Shoes must fit properly. Chiropody felt, moleskin, or foam rubber pads can be applied to minimize friction and pressure. These pads vary in thickness from 1/16 to 3/16 of an inch and often have adhesive backings. Such pads can be cut into strips and placed parallel to the callus, on either side, and held in place with rubber cement or glue. Often they will remain in place for days, even if wet at times. Large sections of padding can be cut to the shape of the callus to fit the shoe or to apply directly to the foot. Either method shifts pressure from the callus onto the surrounding pad and skin.

Insoles made of neoprene can be used under the forefoot. Devices such as metatarsal bars or orthotic inserts can be designed and used to correct imbalances in weight distribution; a podiatrist must fit the feet for orthotics.

CORNS Treatment

There are four different types of corns: hard, soft, seed, and neuro-vascular. Hard corns are very firm and dry, and have a compact central "core" that becomes more noticeable when the corn is shaved down. Hard corns are typically found on the outer edge of the little toe but are frequently seen on the balls of the feet. In the latter area, they are often surrounded by large calluses. Corns are preceded by callus formation, are quite tender, and respond to pressure with sharp pain.

Soft corns are found between the toes, most often in the space between the little toe and its neighbor. Composed of masses of soft, soggy skin, these corns sometimes erode, drain, and become infected. They are formed by pressure from the overriding bones of the adjacent toes.
Seed corns are tiny, compact, usually multiple corns found on the soles.

Neuro-vascular corns contain blood vessels and sometimes bleed within the core. They are usually on the inside surface of the foot, especially near the great toe, and are typically recalcitrant and very painful.

Corns can be identified by their appearance when the surface is pared away. With the exception of the soft corns, they have a waxy, translucent, clear-cut "core" in the center. The fine dots or blood vessels of a wart are not seen, though neuro-vascular corns may bleed when pared. Corns interrupt the normal ridges or lines of the skin, while calluses do not.

Corns and calluses are caused by similar factors. Corns often arise due to pressure from ill-fitting shoes or friction. Bony pro­minences frequently underlie corns.

CORNS Treatment

Shoes should not crowd the toes, and it is sometimes necessary to cut holes in the shoe to give the corn more room. Rings and pads with adhesive backings are avail­able in various shapes and sizes. Horseshoe-shaped or half-moon pads can be cut and taped into place around corns on the toes.

Periodically shaving them with a sharp blade should be done with great care, lest the surrounding or underlying skin is cut and infec­tion introduced. People with diabetes, poor circulation, or other- . wise prone to infections should not attempt this since serious infection and gangrene could result.

A more conservative but nonetheless effective approach is to scrape or abrade away the area with an emery board, pumice stone, or one of the instruments available for this purpose. Corns may be too tender to allow this, but hot soaks will help soften corns and calluses and make this easier. Salicylic acid preparations, available in plaster and liquid forms, are helpful in softening thick stubborn areas.

Liquid salicylic acid preparations should be applied to the corn or callus and covered with adhesive tape. The plaster is applied with the adhesive side down and taped in place. This may be left in place for several days if necessary. When the tape is removed, the area should be soaked in hot water and any soft, dead skin scraped away. The liquid or plaster is then reapplied and another cycle begun.

If used regularly, this procedure will normally control trouble­some corns and calluses. It can be done easily and safely at home, but remember that the acid should only be applied to thickened areas. The surrounding normal skin will be much less resistant to the effects of the acid, and irritation may occur if it is improperly applied. Treatment should be stopped if any irritated or cracked areas develop, either in or around the corn or callus.

It should be noted that paring or abrading corns and calluses is of temporary, symptomatic benefit only. Measures to eliminate the development of the lesion at its source are much more likely to produce permanent benefits though this may take some time.

Soft corns are prevented by keeping the space between the toes clean and especially dry. Alcohol and tincture of iodine help dry the area and kill germs. Soft corns can often be controlled or eliminated by inserting foam rubber, lamb's wool, or some other material between the ends of the toes. Shoes that do not pinch the toes together should be worn.

Thursday, June 5, 2008

How to Treat Burns?

Burns are classified according to severity, with first degree burns the most superficial and third degree burns the most severe. First degree burns often result from brief exposure to a flame or a hot liquid. Burns from excessive exposure to the sun or a sunlamp are usually first degree, but can be second degree in severity.

The skin at the site of a first degree burn is dry, bright red, warm, and painful to touch. Second degree burns involve deeper layers of skin which in this instance exhibit blisters or a raw, moist surface. These burns may also result from contact with hot liquids or from flash explosions. Third degree burns involve the subcutan­eous layers and they may be caused by flames or contact with a very hot object. Skin that has suffered a third degree burn appears pearly white or charred. The surface is dry initially, but later begins to ooze. Unlike milder burns, third degree burns are not painful or tender.

Treatment Tips for Burns

The best immediate treatment for a burn is the application of cold. Such applications reduce the pain, swelling, and redness, and may even cut down the extent of the damage. Cold packs, ice, or submerging the burned area in tap water no warmer than 77 degrees (F) are all effective. Except in cases of sunburn, towels soaked in ice water may be used. The burn should then be cleaned gently with soap and water. First degree burns should require little if any treatment beyond this, although creams or ointments such as vaseline may be soothing.

Burn blisters should generally be left alone and protected with gauze dressings. If these blisters are large or painful, they may be opened and drained, by cleansing the skin, sterilizing a needle with alcohol, and puncturing the blister at its edge. Breaks in the skin can then be coated with a thin layer of an antibiotic or iodine ointment. A Band-Aid or gauze dressing may be applied loosely. Small blisters on the feet can be protected with tape and cushioned with foam rubber or moleskin.

Ruptured blisters or areas of raw, oozing skin should be gently cleansed with soap and water or soaks (see Formulary). An anti­biotic ointment may then be applied, but only in a very thin layer, since thick layers will not allow fluid accumulating in the skin to escape. A loose gauze cover can be applied to protect the wound. The layer of ointment on the wound will prevent the gauze from sticking to the wound. An alternate method is to apply a thin layer of the ointment or' sterile petrolatum (petroleum jelly) directly to the gauze before the dressing is laid on the burn.

Medical care should be sought for all third degree burns, and for any second degree" burns that cover more than very small areas. First degree burns over large areas, or that are particularly painful or swollen, will also require the help of a physician. Any signs of secondary infection, including increasing tenderness, swelling, redness, heat, or drainage of pus, should be checked by a physi­cian. Always be sure that tetanus immunizations are current, even for relatively minor wounds.

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

What Should You Know about Teething Tablets

Given the fact that the administration of drugs to babies is pretty risky, homeopathic teething tablets is one of the solutions used by many parents during the teeth eruption period. The combination of natural extracts increases the baby's comfort by alleviating the restlessness, the pain and the irritability of the child. Teething tablets are very small, they look more like grains than like medication, and they immediately dissolve on the tongue.

The great advantage of homeopathic teething tablets lies not only in the non-toxic quality of the compounds but also in the positive stimulation they trigger at the level of the entire system. The curative reactions of the baby's body are naturally accelerated so that the teething period occurs harmoniously and without further difficulties. Some of the plant extracts calm the whining of the baby, others deal with the redness of the gums and other speed up the eruption process.

It often happens that after using teething tablets the child would fall asleep; such a reaction is perfectly normal since once the pain is gone, the infant may finally rest well. The teething tablets should not be used more than four times a day, or according to the doctor's orders, failure to do so may increase the risk of side effects occurrence. In case the child refuses to accept them on the tongue, the tablets may be dissolved in a very small amount of liquid.

The fact that teething tablets are risk free makes them the most popular remedy used for the alleviation of the teeth eruption symptoms. Unlike other products the results are immediate: once the tablet dissolves in the baby's mouth you can say good buy to gum soreness. Nevertheless, in case the symptoms fail to cease after the treatment, you should contact the doctor right away and have him or her look further into the matter.

The herbal extracts on which teething tablets rely are totally harmless for the baby, they are well tolerated by the digestive system and have no side effects in the recommended dosage. Chamomile is one of the herbs that is often used in the composition of teething tablets; it is a great remedy against irritability and its action is completed by that of belladonna, that reduces the inflammation. Another great herb that soothes a teething baby is clove oil, it can be used to rub the gums directly or it is often included in certain teething tablets.

When Do Babies Start Teething

When do babies start teething? This is a very legitimate question when you have a baby; many parents actually have the surprise of discovering that their child is born with one or two teeth already grown. Though rare the process is considered pretty normal since teeth formation begins in the intrauterine life. When the baby is born he or she has all the teeth buds in their place, and it is from these buds that the milk teeth as well as the adult teeth will later erupt. Having such early teeth extracted is a big mistake as no other will grow in the empty space until seven years of age, and in the worst of cases the premises of crooked teeth may be rooted in the extraction.

Most babies start teething when they are five or six months of age, but those who face teeth eruption earlier or later are equally normal. Thus, it sometimes happens that infants start teething at three months, and in such cases there may be longer intervals of time between the eruption of the various types of teeth. If the first to appear are the lower middle incisors, it could take more than a month afterwards before the upper middle incisors erupt. Presently, information on such cases is plentiful, whether you look in books or on web pages. Hence, the question “When do babies start teething?” becomes a lot easier to answer.

There are lots of magazines that include advice for parents who are facing the problems and challenges of the teething period. Do not feel alarmed if you discovered that the answers in such publications concerning the question “when do babies start teething?” are a bit different from what your child is going through. All specialists and doctors agree that the important thing about baby development is individuality; this means that every child has a personal growth rate that can differ a lot from what is traced and labeled as average. But such peculiarity does not make him or her abnormal.

When do babies start teething? Though the answer is not an enigma, its relativity is completely undeniable. The important thing is that your child will face teeth eruption sooner or later, but that is not an element influenced by diet or the growth rate. You can take the baby to the doctor to set your mind at peace when there is no teeth eruption until the age of one; yet, even so, the child is considered perfectly normal. A lot of premature babies teeth later around seven, eight or even twelve months of age, and they are considered healthy.

Teething Schedule

Though there is an average teething schedule taken as a reference point, there is no absolute rule for the teeth eruption period; it all depends on the baby's personal structure and the specificity of his or her individuality. Thus, there are children who are born with a tooth or two, and there is nothing unnatural about such cases. Moreover, even if most experts claim that the teething schedule begins at five or six months of age, there are babies who start teething when they are three or four months old. A later teeth eruption is also possible and labeled within the boundaries of normality; consequently there is no reason to worry if you notice your child to be a bit peculiar.

According to a regular teething schedule, the first to erupt are the inferior incisors followed by the superior ones. The front teeth are usually an issue around six or seven months of age, and afterwards, they are followed by the eruption of the rest of the teeth: lateral incisors, canines, premolars and molars. When the child is six or seven years old, the first adult teeth erupt with the loss of the baby ones. The change is less painful, particularly since the root of the baby teeth is dissolved and the gums are definitely ready for the transformation.

It is good for the parents to put down the teething schedule of their child so that they may provide accurate information to both the pediatrician and the dentist. Should you notice any problem in the development of the child's teeth do not ignore it just because these teeth are not permanent. It may be very important for the future development of the adult teeth that there be no accidents in the eruption of the first teeth. Hence, a log of the teething schedule will be of a real importance, not to mention that it also has an undeniable sentimental value.

In order to get an idea of what the average parameters are, take a look at one of the many practical books that help parents raise their kids. The teething schedule should be minutely explained so that the parents may be prepared for this very delicate period in the child's life. The more you know about the biological transformations involved in child growth, the more confident and calm you'll feel when the time comes to actually do something to help your teething baby.

Teething Ring and Your Baby

Teething rings are often the best remedies you can offer your child during the difficult time of teeth eruption; made of metal, rubber or plastic such items meet the baby's need to chew something so as to relieve the pressure in the swollen gums. There are certain safety matters to be considered when you have to choose between several types of teething rings.

First of all, the simplest teething rings are also the most reliable; preferably, they should be made of one piece of material alone, so that the risk of part detaching is kept at the minimum. Such precautions are not at all far-fetched since there have been cases when teething rings have been withdrawn from the market by the manufacturer since little design details like hearts or flowers broke and were swallowed by babies.

Between metal, plastic or rubber teething rings, opinions are very often divided; what exactly should one choose? First of all, metal teething rings are usually made of sterling silver; they are considered high class objects with an advanced level of reliability. Silver is a very little reactive metal with virtually no-toxicity, so its structure represents no threat for the health of the child. Moreover, a metal teething ring can be more easily cooled in the fridge for advanced efficiency.

Plastic teething rings have the disadvantage of including all sorts of chemicals in their structure; quality products are perfectly safe, but great care should be taken when buying them. Always check the label of the ring to see exactly what it is made of; there should be some information on the manufacturing process and information on the hypo-allergic nature of the materials used. There should be no sharp edges on which the child may scratch or cut.

Rubber teething rings are the most commonly used: statistics show that rubber rings make top sales when compared to products made of metal or plastic. The great advantage is that rubber is neither too hard nor too soft, which makes it perfect for the chewing tendency of the infant; moreover, since the rings are made of natural rubber, there is no threat risk whatsoever. All you need to be careful about is deterioration since the child will give the ring a pretty harsh treatment.

The price of the teething rings is definitely not an issue since they are basic items that will not cost you too much. Anyway, a good word of advice is to avoid too colorful teething rings, since such an attractive design definitely suggests a large number of chemicals used in the structure. And last but not least, make sure to clean the ring as often as possible, otherwise the baby is exposed to the risk of getting all sorts of infections.

Teething Biscuits

How safe or necessary are teething biscuits? At a first glance their use depends on whether your child has started on solids or not; for a baby that has a highly varied diet, teething biscuits are safe, whereas for one that has liquid food most of the time they are definitely not a good option.

Babies have a different growth rate, some mature sooner, others later, and with their development comes a more or less advanced ability to chew and swallow. Therefore, it is for each and every parent to appreciate and decide whether the child can or cannot safely eat teething biscuits.

The safest way to make sure that there is no risk of choking is to test the teething biscuits yourself; a quality cracker should not break off at the first attempt to chew on it. You can try to imitate the way a child would gnaw at the biscuit with the few teeth he or she has. If the biscuit simply dissolves away, then, you've found your child a good teething help for the period.

There also comes the question about the nutritional value of teething biscuits, are they truly necessary for the baby's diet? How can they influence his or her growth rate? Here, it is for the parents to carefully choose those teething biscuits that are to the advantage of the child: B vitamins, minerals and complex carbohydrates must be included in the composition of such crackers to actually make them valuable from an energetic and nutritional point of view.

A great advantage of teething biscuits in general is that they actually train and prepare the infant to eat all alone and independently. They are a great comfort from gum soreness and also a clever and useful way of pacifying a hungry baby while you are making dinner. Since chewing at such a biscuit takes a long time, there is no risk for the baby to lose the appetite and eat less at that table.

Teething biscuits can be home-made too, but in such cases, you need to stick to the recipe very strictly. The hardness of the biscuits is the first condition to meet for the safety of the child, as you definitely don't want the crackers to break into pieces. Such biscuits have a great choking risk and should not be given to any small child.

Teething Blanket

Chewing is definitely the main occupation of a teething baby, and any object that comes handy is good to be put in the mouth; it is therefore unavoidable that the attention of the little one should turn towards his or her clothes, the sheets and the blanket in the bed. In oder to make it both safe and healthy for the child to chew at such objects, many parents turn to the teething blanket, a magical invention that alleviates the soreness of the gums without exposing the infant to any risk.

There are several elements you should look for when it comes to choosing a teething blanket, depending on the needs and the preferences of your baby. First of all, the material the blanket is made of has to be very durable so that it may remain unspoiled after the treatment the child will put it through. Check the corners, it is definitely great to choose an item with rubber or plastic corners at which the baby may happily chew; nevertheless, such extras have to be very well attached to the teething blanket so that they do not become loose in time.

The aesthetic aspect of the teething blanket is equally important: on the one hand it has to be colorful and very attractive for the child, and on the other, it has to match the overall decor of the room. Of course your child will not complain about the style – there's no way for him / her to be that peaky – but it is more a matter of parental satisfaction to make great matches. One further aspect here is the cleaning method: the teething blanket has to be machine washable as you need to keep it very clean so that the child may not risk an infection.

Some parents really like to have the teething blankets personalized with the baby's name and picture. There is a very practical side to such preferences too: if you frequent places where there are other children of various ages, it could be very important to have the teething blanket nicely labeled as a means of telling the items apart.

Some of the baby blankets available on the market may not be specifically designed for teething, you may nevertheless improvise and turn them into teething blankets if the material is hardy enough and reliable so as to be chewed by a child. Always take teething into consideration when shopping for a baby blanket!

Silver Teething Ring

Many mothers are keen on using a silver teething ring as a way to relieve the pain and increase the comfort of baby teething. Much unlike other products used for the same purpose, such as gels and even biscuits, a silver teething ring has more advantages. First of all, there are no chemicals and no sugar ingested by your child, and then, a metal ring can be easily frozen.

There are large collections that include all sorts of silver teething ring models: some are larger, some smaller, with a variety of designs and shapes. Why silver? First of all, we are talking about a metal that is not affected by oxidation, then, it is well tolerated by the body, and it has a zero level of toxicity. Hence, a silver teething ring is not only useful but also very safe for the health of your infant.

The solidity of a silver teething ring is another issue to be tackled with. You need to keep in mind the fact that all choking hazard needs to be eliminated, therefore, beware all the design details when you buy such a baby product. There have been reports of accidents with children detaching some parts of the silver teething ring, and the manufacturing company had to withdrew all the items from the market.

One other issue connected with the use of silver teething ring is the aspect of potential dental problems later in life. Many parents are very much against giving their children something to chew in order to soothe; the reason for such concerns is explained by the possibility of creating oral fixations later in the adult life. Nevertheless, the big question remains about how justified such concerns really are?

A sterling silver teething ring is very often offered as a present for a new born, the high quality of the metal is a synonym for high class and elegance, on such occasions. Yet, when it comes to the actual use of the silver teething ring, hygiene is an extremely important issue; thus, every time you give it to the child make sure that it is perfectly clean. Do not keep the ring in disinfectant solutions as chemicals may be a threat for the health of the infant.

Last but not least, when the silver teething ring is dropped by the child, do not give it back to him or her before cleaning it. Very many oral infections are rooted in the incorrect use of the teething toys the child chews at. The health of your child comes first!

Things to know about Infant Teething

Parenting tips for infant teething are a great source of information for anyone trying to cope with the difficult period of teeth eruption. There could be long sleepless nights when the child fusses, whines or cries, days when he or she refuses to eat, sobbing and chewing at every object that falls at hand. How can one help the infant better pass over this stress? The solution to such a question will also be the cure for the parents' exhaustion.

First of all, infant teething starts with the eruption of the lower front teeth, so it is there that you should look for swollen red gums. The event occurs somewhere between six and ten months of age but it is may also happen that the process should start sooner like at three, four or five months. The lower incisors are followed by the upper middle ones, and these are the most difficult stages to go over with, since the rest of the teeth will erupt more slowly, bothering less both infant and parents.

Temperature is among the most alarming infant teething symptoms; if the fever gets higher than 100 degrees you should contact the doctor right away and have the child investigated. Sometimes, teeth eruption can be doubled by a cold or other ailment as the baby's body is far more sensitive during the period. A health care provider will probably recommend a combined treatment for both teeth eruption and the cold or the infection.

There are all sorts of methods and solutions to soothe a teething infant: give him or her a cool object to chew or bite at. Teething rings cooled in the fridge are most often a great solution as they release the pressure in the gums, while also reducing the swelling and the soreness. Though many parents choose to give cold food to a teething infant, this could be risky from other points of view, though highly useful at calming the teeth eruption symptoms.

Infant teething is complete around the age of three when your child should have all of his or her twenty baby teeth. In case there is any delay in the eruption, you should contact the doctor right away and find out what is the cause for the problem. Regular visits to the dentist are also a good idea: on the one hand the child gets used to being consulted and treated without feeling any fear and on the other hand oral health is ensured.

Infant Teething Symptoms

More or less bothersome, infant teething symptoms affect the majority of babies around six or seven months of age. Many parents are not prepared for the intensity of certain infant teething symptoms, and though very unpleasant reactions are rare, they do nevertheless exist. Drooling, gum swelling, redness and lack of appetite are among the most common of the infant teething symptoms; they appear in almost all the case, but the reaction to the discomfort entirely depends on the child.

In case of excessive drooling, you should be prepared to stick to very strict hygiene rules: do not let the child's face wet for too long a period of time as this increases the risk of developing irritations, rashes and even infections. There is no way to control such infant teething symptoms, so you basically have to help the child cope with it by carefully wiping the saliva off the face, and eventually using some fat but gentle baby cream on certain cheek areas.

For gum swelling, you can give your baby a special teething ring to chew at; biting at a hard surface reduces the pressure in the gums and reduces the discomfort of such infant teething symptoms. The rings can be made of metal, plastic or rubber, but you need to be careful that there be no detachable parts that can be accidentally swallowed by the baby. Another way of alleviating the soreness of the gums is by using some special gels and powders designed for pediatric usage.

Many parents grow worried when they notice changes in the behavior of their baby; such infant teething symptoms are actually normal given the fact that something is bothering the child. Some babies start scratching their cheeks or pulling their ears, as part of the pain in the gums can pass to the ears and the back part of the mouth. Irritability accompanied by crying is also frequently associated with teeth eruption, however, if you are not sure that teething is the problem that makes your child cry, contact the doctor immediately.

Infant teething symptoms will only last until the teeth break through the gums, which does not take more than a few days, usually between three and five on the average. Gently massaging the gums with a cold piece of cloth or with the finger could also help soothe the baby and improve its overall health condition and mood. Any deterioration of the baby's condition should not be overlooked, as more serious problems may lie behind!

Homeopathic Teething Tablet

When the baby is teething, many parents are looking for the wonder remedy to calm the whining of the little one and soothe the discomfort caused by the swelling gums. Though teething does not lot last for more than three or five days, the interval is often a true nightmare; besides the classical gels and foams used for the alleviation of the soreness, there are also homeopathic teething tablets to be used on such occasions.

Containing only herbal and mineral extracts, homeopathic teething tablets are more like granules that dissolve instantly when put on the baby's tongue. They have a pleasant taste and the majority of children have absolutely no problem accepting them. The great part is that such remedies instantly trigger an alleviation of the symptoms and an improvement in the overall health state of the child.

Do not worry in case the baby goes to sleep right after taking the homeopathic teething tablets, such a reaction is perfectly normal since he or she may be tired by the long hours of discomfort, and now he or she can finally rest at ease. In case the teething symptoms do not disappear, you should definitely contact the doctor immediately and have the child consulted.

On a regular basis homeopathic teething tablets are completely harmless, as they have a zero toxicity level. This means that even children who suffer from food allergies can use them without any risk. The products containing chamomile extract are among the most popular on the market, and the explanation of their success lies in the great soothing and disinfectant properties of the herb.

Before you administrate any homeopathic teething tablets to your child make sure to read the instructions carefully; on a regular basis the daily dosage includes two granules four times a day. It is important that you do not give the child anything to drink or eat at least half an hour after the administration of the pills or you risk to diminish their effect and thus force back the return of the symptoms.

In very rare cases, certain mild allergic reactions may appear to one component of the homeopathic teething tablet; if you know your baby to be ultra-sensitive, you should talk to the doctor first before starting any treatment. He or she may suggest a lower dosage, thus instead of two granules the baby will only be given one at the beginning to check whether there are any allergic side effects.

Things to know about Early Teething

Every baby is unique and so are the various moments in his or her life; trying to identify whether the child is developing according to a predetermined time line is not always going to be successful, as the average figures are just a pattern. Thus, unlike the overall body growth, teeth eruption is not influenced by the child's diet or schedule: this is why parents may be facing both late and early teething. There are in fact children who are born with a tooth or two formed during their intrauterine life.

Early teething usually refers to children who have their first incisors erupt at three or four months of age. Afterwards, a longer period of time may follow until the development of the other teeth. Thus, when they are one year old, some babies may already have half their teeth, while others may have none. Late teething is usually associated with premature babies who will grow teeth after seven months of age, though this is not a clear cut rule either.

The order of eruption in early teething is the same: the lower middle incisors are the first to develop followed by the four superior incisors – middle and lateral. Then come the lower lateral incisors and the canines. In the past children who experienced early teething were considered un-healthy, but with the development of medical science and research, such a theory was rebuked and eliminated for good. Another incorrect medical procedure practiced in the past consisted in the cutting of the baby's gums to assist him or her in the teething process.

The cutting often resulted in infections and even death. One other problem that is not necessarily associated with early teething is low immunity. Many infants lose the antibodies inherited from their mothers and are an easy prey for colds and infections. This is why it is common to associate fever with teething; as a matter of fact the two problems are distinct and not necessarily connected. Teething does not cause high temperature, the possible infections caught at the time are actually responsible for the symptom.

Though it is perfectly normal, early teething may prove a challenge just like a later teeth eruption. Do not hesitate to talk to a pediatrician and learn the best ways to cope with the situation and support the child throughout the period. Presently there are all sorts of solutions meant to alleviate the soreness of the gums and increase the baby's comfort; go ahead and do everything in your power to soothe your baby, special teething items are safe and reliable!

Monday, June 2, 2008

Cat Diabetes and how to Care for them

Cat care and diabetes go hand in hand to ensure that your pet cat can live an otherwise more normal life than usual. It may be unfortunate for pet cats to have their own version of diabetes, also a serious affliction among humans. It is also important for pet owners to know how feline diabetes affects cats and how they can help make life better for their pets by learning how to better care for them.

There are two types of feline diabetes that may affect your pet cats. Type 1 is caused by an insufficient production of insulin while type 2 diabetes is characterized by the inability of the cat's body to process insulin more effectively. And just like in humans, diabetes can also strike cats at any age but is more likely to affect older cats.

There is also a secondary feline diabetes that can be caused by drugs or by some diseases that may impair the natural processing of insulin in the body.

Cats also display symptoms that may tell veterinarians or pet owners of the onset of diabetes. These symptoms also have similarities with what humans with diabetes develop as the disease progresses. Cats may show frequent thirst and urination. With the body's inability to process or handle glucose, diabetic cats may also experience weight loss.

Other symptoms that may be associated with feline diabetes include vomiting, loss of appetite and general weakness. Diabetic cats may also have poor skin and coat condition as well as breathing abnormalities.

When a pet cat displays the symptoms mentioned above, it might be wise for pet owners to have their cats tested for sugar levels in the blood as well as in their urine. The reason why both tests might be required is that cats under stress may experience a temporary spike of their blood sugar levels. The two tests will help confirm if your pet cat really has diabetes.

Just like diabetes in humans, the feline version also has no cure yet available. Instead, feline diabetes can be controlled through a number of means. And for cats, it can be done through diet and weight control. A diet that is high in fiber and complex carbohydrates would be ideal for diabetic cats, especially the obese ones.

This type of diet is maintained not only to control the cat's weight but also to control the cat's blood sugar levels. There are also oral medications available that can help your diabetic pet cat maintain a suitable blood sugar level.

Pet owners of diabetic cats may also need to carefully monitor their pet's glucose and insulin levels. For those pet owners who resort to giving their diabetic cats insulin injections for their diabetes, care to avoid overdose should always be maintained. An overdose of insulin can be a very fatal condition in cats. There are also some dietary supplements that can be used to help diabetic cats deal with their condition.

Cat care and diabetes always go hand in hand to ensure that your pet cat can lead a normal life. Providing the right care for diabetic pet cats can make sure that pet cat owners can enjoy the company of their pet for as long as possible.

The genuine concern that is shared through the care given to diabetic pet cats can show the love that pet owners may have on their dear animal companions.

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