What is MRSA? MRSA is a type of bacteria that is very resistant to most antibiotics. It used to be seen mainly in a hospital setting but more recently is making a grand entrance into the community. This type of skin infection often resembles pimples or boils which may be very tender, painful, and oozy. What is so dangerous is that this infection of the skin can travel deeper, into the bones, blood stream, heart, and lungs which can cause life-threatening infections even in otherwise healthy individuals.

How is MRSA transmitted? MRSA enters the skin usually through a cut or scrape and is transmitted via direct skin-to-skin contact. Some of the risk factors for acquiring community-associated MRSA include:

-Young age

-Participation in contact sports

-Sharing of personal items such as towels or razors

-Person with a weakened immune system

-Crowded and/or unsanitary conditions

What is the treatment? This is the tough part. Treating an infection caused by MRSA often involves multiple antibiotics and vigilant wound care. It is critical for persons infected with this type of bacteria to keep their sores covered with clean, dry bandages until properly healed. If the bacteria spread to other parts of the body such as the heart, lungs, or blood stream, hospitalization may be necessary.

Prevention: Some important prevention tips include:

-Cover all scrapes and cuts with band-aids until fully healed. MRSA enters the skin very easily through open wounds so it is best to keep them protected especially at school and when playing contact sports.

-Make sure your child practices proper hygiene and hand washing techniques. It is also a good idea for them to keep a bottle of hand sanitizer in their backpacks.

-Shower after participation in games and practices

-If someone in your home has MRSA, take care to properly sanitize all linens preferably in hot water with bleach.

Even with taking all of the necessary precautions, MRSA can still affect the most vigilant and healthy of individuals. If your child develops what looks like a bug bite or boil which then starts to become fluid filled, it is recommended that you make an appointment with a doctor. He or she will likely culture the wound if it looks infected to determine the cause and then prescribe the necessary antibiotics. It is equally important to ensure that your child finishes the antibiotic as prescribed to prevent any future resistance.

*P.S.S. (Parent Sanity Saver): To find out more about outbreaks of MRSA in your community, visit the Centers for Disease Control at www.cdc.gov.

Medicine Mom Update: Dr. Tara’s column is currently undergoing a format change and will be temporarily on hold until its new launch in January 2009. The new layout will consist of a Q&A segment with reader submitted questions related to family health and happiness. This includes conditions affecting both parent and child. Please send any and all questions to Dr. Tara directly at drk@themedicinemom.com and be sure to include your name and town with your e-mail.

It was when my second daughter, Lainey, turned two-weeks-old that my world as I knew it came to a screeching halt. My darling baby girl turned from a sweet, content infant into a fussy, inconsolable one and I was floored. I didn’t know what to do. Come to find out, Lainey had colic and the next ten weeks was utter hell. Day after day of continuous cry fests left me feeling inept, inadequate, and isolated. In my head, I had failed as a mother, a wife, and a friend to those I loved. Little did I know, the worst was yet to come. Eventually I lost all feelings of happiness and joy and all I wanted to do was to curl up into a ball and die. That was when I knew I needed professional help.

My diagnosis was postpartum depression (PPD), a condition that affects approximately 15 percent of new mothers. Unfortunately, not all moms suffering from PPD seek medical attention and this is a shame since it is a very treatable condition. Since I came from a medical background, I had the advantage of hearing first hand, stories of other moms who went through the same thing I was going through. Some I saw from the beginning, when they were first starting their medication and receiving therapy, to the end when they were themselves again. The difference was night and day. I was not embarrassed to get a prescription filled for an antidepressant since I knew how common depression actually was. I believe that these drugs, when prescribed appropriately, can help save lives. And, no social class is immune to the effects of PPD. From professionals to blue collar workers to the unemployed-everyone is fair game. Seeing others recover from PPD helped provide hope that I too, had a chance at recovery-a chance to experience life as I knew it once again.

The road to happiness was not easy but I did make some discoveries along the way. I learned the importance of laughter–and I’m talking good, hearty, from the belly kind. It was humor that helped me find my way out of the dark. When you can laugh at the ridiculousness of your horrid situation, it makes you feel better.

I also discovered the therapeutic effects of writing. Jotting all of my complaints and concerns down on paper helped me heal and led to the birth of my first book,

“The Colic Chronicles: A Mother’s Survival Guide to Calming Your Baby While Keeping Your Cool (Da Capo Lifelong).” This book was designed to provide encouragement, companionship, and helpful hints to fellow mothers of fussy and colicky infants.

Hopefully you will never have to suffer from the effects of PPD. But, if you or someone you know happens to show any symptoms of this condition, make sure to seek help right away, before it’s too late.

Symptoms of PPD:

-Anxiety

-Thoughts of Suicide

-Hopelessness

-Irritability

-Mood Swings

-Excessive Crying

-Feelings of Guilt

-Sleep Disturbances

-Lack of Energy

*For more information on PPD and related conditions, I recommend visiting Dr. Shoshana Bennett’s website (author of Postpartum Depression for Dummies) at www.drshosh.com.

Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac are three of the most common weeds in the United States known to cause an allergic skin reaction. The rash associated with these plants can cause intense itching, blistering, and pain. Knowing how to prevent these dreadful rashes from affecting your little ones will help ensure that your next outdoors excursion is a scratch-free one.
What to do:

Prevention:

1. Appearance is everything: Contrary to popular belief, the saying “leaves of three, let it be” is only partially true. While poison ivy and poison oak usually have three leaflets, poison sumac normally has seven to thirteen. It is the colorless uroshiol oil that is responsible for the allergic response, not the leaves themselves. When poisonous leaves are damaged and the oil is exposed to air, the oil turns black and you may see tiny black dots on the leaves which are a warning sign to stay away.

2. Establish fear: Let your children know that if they do tempt fate and go play in a patch of poison ivy, the family trip is likely to be ruined and they won’t get allowance for the next month. Well, that may be a little harsh, but you know what I mean.

3. Form a barrier. Try an over-the-counter lotion that forms a protective barrier on the skin such as Ivy Block applied 15 minutes prior to possible exposure.

4. Pyromaniacs beware: When poisonous plants are burned, they emit dangerous fumes that can also cause an allergic response.

Treatment:

Immediately rinse affected areas of skin with cool water. If water is not available you can use rubbing alcohol. Don’t forget to thoroughly rinse any objects that may have come in contact with the oil such as sunglasses, shoes, and gloves.
Poison Ivy Emergency Kit: Your kit should contain:
-Calamine lotion (for the itch)
-Oral Benadryl (for the allergic response)
-Tylenol or Motrin for pain
-Lollipops for the whining (These work on adults as well).

*Call a doctor if:

1. The initial reaction is severe or symptoms worsen.
2. The rash seems to be spreading, covers large areas of the body, or affects the eyelids or genitalia.

What NOT to do:

-Do not take a hot shower after possible exposure to poison ivy. It can open your pores and increase the reaction.
-Do not let your animals run wild through the woods. The oil from the plants adheres very nicely to the coats of our furry friends.
With any family trip you are likely to encounter some obstacles along the way. Whether it’s a flat tire, or a case of itchy, oozing poison ivy, there are treatments available. So, on your next outdoors adventure with your family, remember two important things: Your poison ivy emergency kit and an extra bag of lollipops because you never know when you may need them.

*P.S.S. (Parent Sanity Saver): Before your next camping trip or hike through the park, take your kids online and view some poisonous plants so they can try their best to avoid them.

The author is a doctor of pharmacy and mother of two amazing little girls. Her book, The Colic Chronicles (Da Capo Lifelong) is scheduled for release in June 2008. You can check out her website at www.themedicinemom.com or e-mail her directly at drk@themedicinemom.com. She encourages reader questions and feedback!

For most of us, it’s okay if we happen to dive into a desert that just happens to be laced with peanuts. But, for those unfortunate few with food allergies, these surprises can bring more than bad taste—they can cause a full-blown emergency.

In order to help you better understand food allergies, and how they relate to children, I thought it would be best to separate the facts from fiction:

Fiction: If your child is allergic to a certain food, you will know right away.

Fact: Our bodies do not produce an allergic response to a substance until we have encountered that same substance before. So, your child could have eaten a peanut butter and jelly sandwich every day for the last three years and then, all of a sudden break out in a full blown rash from one little peanut found in his trail mix. This is why food allergies, and allergies in general, are so hard to diagnose. The most common symptoms of a food allergy include:

-Rash

-Wheezing

-Cough

-Hoarseness and tightness in throat

-Nausea

-Stomach cramps

-Vomiting

-Diarrhea

* If your child ever experiences any of the above symptoms or any warmth, flushing and/or throat tingling, you need to call his or her doctor right away. Although it is rare, anaphylactic-type reactions leading to dangerous drops in blood pressure can occur and require immediate medical attention.

Fiction: Children will eventually outgrow their food allergies.

Fact: Although many kids will outgrow their allergies to foods, some may not. Those whom are allergic to tree nuts (almonds, walnuts, cashews, etc.) have only a 9% chance of outgrowing their allergy while those allergic to peanuts have a higher chance at 20%. The good news is that approximately 85% of children allergic to cow’s milk, soy, wheat, and egg will outgrow their allergy by the time they are five.

Fiction: Food allergies only occur in children whose parents have food allergies.

Fact: Just because you and your spouse do not suffer from food allergies does not mean your child will be spared. Although there is a strong hereditary link associated with the development of allergies, there is still a 10 to 15% chance that a child can develop a food allergy despite a negative family history.

Fiction: There are tests that predict what exactly your child is allergic to.

Fact: While there are a variety of tests available, none are 100% accurate. The blood allergen test, known as RAST, often results in false positive reactions. This means that the test may say your child is allergic to a certain food or substance when, in fact, they are not. Evaluating a child for food allergies can be a complicated process and usually involves a combination of blood tests, skin tests, and keeping a food diary.

If you have a child that suffers from food allergies, family feasts can turn your stomach in knots. This is because it becomes your responsibility to rake everyone through the coals about the ingredients used to prepare each dish. But don’t be shy. Speak up and, if they are the loving relatives they should be, they will totally understand.

*P.S.S. (Parent Sanity Saver): If you have a child who suffers from severe allergic reactions, it may be best if you host the holiday dinners at your house. This way you can be in charge of what’s for dinner.

The author is a doctor of pharmacy and mother of two amazing little girls. You can visit her website at www.themedicinemom.com or e-mail her directly at drk@themedicinemom.com.

The influenza virus spreads like wildfire and knowing how to prevent yourself and others from catching this ‘Bah-humbug” virus can hopefully help you build happy holiday memories this year. To keep the flu out of your home, follow these tips:

1. Get Vaccinated: It is easy to do, when the supplies are not limited, and can decrease the risk of you and your family members catching the flu. Although there is a chance you or your child could still become infected, the severity and duration of symptoms will be less severe after receiving a vaccine. The best time to get vaccinated is in October or November and the flu season starts from as early as October and ends as late as May. There are two types of vaccines available:

-The Flu Shot: No one likes a shot. At least, I don’t know of anyone and if I did they

would probably not give me that warm and fuzzy feeling. Anyways, shots are

sometimes a necessary evil and one that parents loathe more than their children. The

shot contains a killed virus and most people can receive this form of vaccination with

some exceptions:

1) People with egg allergies

2) Children under six-months-old

3) Those who have developed Guillain-Barre syndrome within six weeks of receiving

a flu vaccine

4) People who have experienced an allergic reaction to the flu shot in the past

-The Nasal Spray: This is a lot more user friendly but it has more restrictions than the shot since it contains a weakened live virus. The following people should not receive the nasally inhaled vaccine:

1) People under the age of five-years-old and greater than 49 years old

2) Anyone with a chronic medical condition

3) Women who are pregnant

2. Follow Good Health Habits:

-Wash hands thoroughly and frequently: Scrub hands for fifteen seconds with warm soap and water or apply a rinse-free hand sanitizer.

*Hand sanitizer caution: Keep instant sanitizers out of children’s reach and only use on the hands. It can burn the skin when applied to sensitive areas such as the face.

-Cover up: Try to remind your children to cough and sneeze inside a tissue.

-Stay home: Get some movies, chicken soup, ginger ale, and turn into human couch potatoes together.

-Avoid infected individuals: No play dates with feverish kids and no kisses from sick grandmothers please!

-Remember to avoid touching the mouth, nose, and eyes: I know this is next to impossible for kids to do that is why it is so important to make sure their tiny hands stay clean.

3. Ask About Drug Treatments: There is no magic pill to get rid of the flu but if someone in your home becomes infected, there are some drug regimens that, when started early enough, can lessen the duration and severity of flu symptoms. Consult your child’s doctor about possible options.

The winter season is often accompanied by guests¾some welcomed and some not. Hopefully, with the proper precautions, you will be able to keep the flu out of your home and welcome your beloved guests with arms wide open and mouths germ free.

*P.S.S. (Parent Sanity Saver): Always keep some hand sanitizer on hand, especially when venturing to children’s play areas in fast food restaurants. These fun zones often harbor tons of hidden germs just waiting to pop into the mouths of babes.

The author is a doctor of pharmacy and mother of two amazing little girls. You can visit her website at www.themedicinemom.com or e-mail her directly at drk@themedicinemom.com.
The Medicine Mom – By Dr. Tara Kompare, Pharm.D.

When one of my husband’s best friends was diagnosed with a deadly form of skin cancer, I realized how precious our skin actually was. And, when you think about all the life-saving advice we offer our kids, protecting their skin is probably not on the top of the list. For instance, I have always reminded my oldest daughter to “Stop, look, and listen” before crossing the street and to “Stop, drop, and roll” if she should ever catch fire. But, the fact is, our children are actually more likely to develop skin cancer than to get hit by a car or catch on fire.

To help our children remember the importance of skin safety this summer, I came up with the child-friendly phrase: “Stop, spray, and play” to help remind our little ones to protect their skin:

Stop: Before going outside, stop.
Spray: Spray on some sunscreen* (the spray bottles are great for little ones) and rub it in thoroughly and evenly.
Play: Have fun!
* It is best to apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes prior to sun exposure. If you forget, don’t sweat it. As long as you remember to apply it, you are doing great.

Besides making up catchy jingles to appease our children’s quest for parental silliness, you can also try the following skin-saving strategies:

-Hats on: Kids look adorable in hats. A wide-brimmed hat is best and so is one that says, “My mommy rules!” Not only do they look cool, hats help shade our children’s eyes and protect their delicate facial skin.

-Sunscreen is our friend: Remember that sunscreen can save lives. When looking for sunscreen products, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends an SPF of 15 or higher. It should also provide both UVA and UVB protection. Reapply a good amount (approximately a shot glass full) at least every two hours and even more frequently with heavy perspiration or when swimming.

-Time is of the essence: The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and
4 p.m so it is especially important to remember sunscreen during these hours.

-Play in the shade. When possible, try to get your children to play in the shade. I try to frequent parks with lots of shady trees. Umbrellas are also great for the beach put please use caution! Last summer, my run away umbrella had me sprinting in the sand and soaring into the air to catch it before it pounded into a small child and her mother. I have since mastered the art of umbrella anchoring.

Although the sun looks friendly enough, it is important to remember that looks are often deceiving. So have a ball this summer and may you and your family slip and slide your way to happiness. Just remind your kids (and yourself) to stop and spray before they go and play.

P.S.S. (Parent Sanity Saver): For quick relief of minor sunburn, dip your child in a cool bath and apply some zinc oxide ointment afterwards.

Skin Cancer Facts:
-One in five Americans will develop skin cancer.
-Your risk of developing skin cancer doubles if you have had five or more sunburns.
-At least 90 percent of all skin cancers are due to excessive sun exposure.

• Laughter:  We have all heard that laughter is the best medicine and more and more evidence is proving this adage to be true. Cardiologists at the University of Maryland School of Medicine found that laughter increased blood flow about as much as some cholesterol-lowering medications or light exercise. Although the researchers did not recommend laughter over exercise, they did recommend a combination of both. Laughing also triggers the release of endorphins and may improve our immune systems. Since laughing offers so many benefits, I recommend every household in existence mandate at least thirty minutes a day of good hearty laughter.
• Chocolate:  I absolutely adore chocolate and, when consumed responsibly, it may even be good for you. Scientists have found that dark chocolate contains antioxidants that can help maintain cardiovascular health. Although the jury is still out on the degree of health benefits offered by chocolate, I am here to say it does wonders for my soul. It helps rev up endorphins and is associated with feelings of comfort and contentment, both of which come in mighty handy in the fast-paced world of motherhood.
• Chili Peppers: The hotter the better when it comes to chili peppers and endorphins. Bell peppers are relatively mild while habaneros will have you doing a jig! The ingredients from chili peppers are also used to treat arthritic pain when used topically. *Caution: Avoid use in the very young and very old.
• Exercise: The “runners high” experienced by athletes is a sought after feeling. Although I do not run, I can “ellipticize” my little heart out all for the purpose of achieving that awesome endorphin rush. Remember, exercise is our friend! Regular exercise not only helps our body’s look more fit and tone, but also helps us smile.
• Massage: A professional massage releases endorphins, increases circulation, and stimulates the nervous and lymphatic systems. If you can’t afford one from the pros, three-year-olds are easy to teach!
• Meditation: When our bodies are in a relaxed state, as with meditation, this triggers the outflow of endorphins. It’s easy to do and is free-of-charge. Just close your eyes and concentrate solely on your breath going in and out in a slow and relaxed state. Meditation also increases blood flow, slows heart rate, and decreases muscle tension.