Envelop them in your warmth

Dr Rohit Arora 

Winter is one of the most vulnerable seasons of the year for children of all ages, including infants. Allergies, dry skins, cough and cold are some of the most common problems that children face during the winter season. Food allergies, which affect as many as 8 per cent of all children, also flare up during this season. Children, who are asthmatic or have weaker immunity, therefore, need extra care. 

Common winter problems 

Some of the common diseases that affect infants and children are :

Common cold: Symptoms of common cold are sore throat, runny nose, mucus accumulation, nasal infection, and watery eyes. These can be coupled with lack of appetite and drowsiness. You may find your child less active than normal. If the symptoms do not improve on their own in 2-3 days, consult a doctor immediately. Not addressing common cold in time may cause more complex diseases such as pneumonia or bronchitis. 

Dry skin and rashes: Infants who wear diapers for long hours suffer from dry skin and rashes on skin. It may also be due to wrong sized diaper which may cause greater friction with the skin. Chapped skin is a form of dry skin in children inflamed due to friction with or allergic reaction to clothes. Continuous rubbing to clean runny nose can also cause chapped skin around the nose. If children are not hydrated properly, they can develop eczema that looks like swollen dry skin or dermatitis. 

Allergies: It is arguably the most common problem affecting children due to poor ventilation, household pollution and allergic reactions to particulate matters in the air. Pet dander, dust mites in rugs and carpets, and inefficient heating methods also affect children. Common food allergies in infants are caused by cow’s milk and may show up as formula is introduced: Up to 8 per cent of infants can develop such allergy. Symptoms may include skin rashes, hives, wheezing, nasal congestion, and digestive problems. Older children may develop allergic reactions to soy, wheat, eggs, and nuts. 

Flu-like fever: Low-temperature fever along with other symptoms of common cold may also indicate flu-like fever. Watch out for symptoms of tonsillitis which can sometimes mimic a flu-like illness, etc. and consult a doctor.

Simple precautions 

Precaution is always better than trying to find a cure. Below are some measures that can help you keep your child safe this winter:

• Dress your child in layers instead of one heavy woollen garment. This will help retain a layer of air between clothes and insulate the body heat better. At the same time, avoid overclothing, especially in infants. A dictum to remember in infants is to make them wear one layer extra of what you are wearing. 
• Regular massages help in regulating the flow of blood and improve immunity levels of babies. Massage with coconut oil, almond oil and/or olive oil an hour or two before bathing the baby. Make sure the surroundings are warm while the baby’s clothes are off. 
• Ensure the baby is adequately hydrated and use good quality moisturising lotions and creams on the baby’s hands, feet and face at regular interval. 
• Controlling the allergy-causing agents is important. Control the room humidity below 50 per cent to reduce dust mites. Change linen regularly. Keep pets out of the bedrooms and bathe the pets at least once a week to wash away dander and other allergens from their fur.
• Wash bedding in hot water once a week and clean the house regularly using a damp mop. Good insulation can help reduce mould. 

 — The writer is head of neonatology and paediatric, Apollo Cradle Hospital, Gurugram