Parenting solutions: Experts answer your questions

Q My six-month-old has eczema in the creases of her elbows and behind her knees. How can I stop it from itching and stop her from scratching?

Dr Juliane Reuter is a dermatologist  at Health Bay Polyclinic (04-3487140,
www.healthbayclinic.com)

She says: "Your child most likely suffers from atopic eczema that typically goes along with dry, inflamed and itchy skin.
"The basic treatment for this skin condition is an intensive skincare routine with a good moisturiser. Do not bathe your child too often, because water dries out the skin more and supports the itchiness. Use a few drops of oil in the bath water. The skin should be moisturised every day, several times a day. This will help to stop the itchiness and prevent dryness, which can make it prone to superinfections. "If this does not help sufficiently, you can give your child antihistamine drops at night to prevent scratching. However, the skincare for your child needs to match the specific needs of your child’s skin, so I recommend seeing a dermatologist to have a thorough examination of the skin and an individualised skin care regime.”

Q My five-year-old often ends up in the school nurse’s office with tummy aches, even though she was fine in the morning. How can I stop this from happening?

Rachel Jex is school nurse at Jumeira Baccalaureate School, a Taaleem School
(www.jbschool.ae).

She says: "Your school nurse should be experienced at asking the right questions to decide whether it is a physical pain, or an emotional pain. A record is kept of every time your child visits the nurse, so this will highlight any classroom issues. Most schools have a school doctor who will examine your child during their routine visit.
"Ask your child about the pain. Ask when and where they feel it, and whether they feel sick, sad, hungry or thirsty. Most of the time, abdominal pain is because the child is hungry or thirsty. Encourage your child to drink lots of water and to eat all their snacks and lunch. "Another possible cause is constipation. Does your child pass a regular soft stool? Often, despite a healthy diet, children become constipated. Make an appointment with your paediatrician to rule out any physical reason, and also with the nurse or teacher to discuss the issue.”

Q My three-month-old daughter seems to cry a lot more than other infants her age. How can I tell if she has colic and what can I do to soothe her?

Dru Campbell is midwife at Health Bay Polyclinic (www.healthbayclinic.com, 04-3487140)

She says: "The only way babies are able to communicate their needs is by crying. There are many reasons why a baby may cry, such as hunger, wind pain, being too hot or cold, a wet or dirty nappy, being uncomfortable, tired, unwell, or just wanting to be with you. On average, during the first 12 weeks of life, a baby will cry for between one and five hours in a 24-hour period. "Colic is a condition which is still not completely understood. Some researchers say it is trapped wind, while others say it is to do with the baby’s adaptation to their new environment outside the womb. It usually presents with crying for long periods of time at a certain time of the day – usually in the evening. Colic is usually at its worst in the first 12 weeks of age and usually improves by six months of age. If your baby seems to be crying for long periods, I would recommend visiting your paediatrician to rule out any underlying condition.” 

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