Impetigo

Impetigo is a common superficial skin infection.  The schools would have you think that this stuff is the plague but the good news is, in reality, the disease is usually quite limited.  It results in a yellow-honey colored encrusted sore.  This sore is typically on the face near the nose but can be anywhere on the body.  These sores are contagious and can spread.  They are caused by staph or strep (the same strep that lives in your throat).  Usually the sores don't hurt.

We can treat them with prescription creams if the sores are small.  If they cover a huge portion of skin, like in my wrestler patients, we use oral medication for a couple of weeks.

Usually with proper treatment the sores heal without any complications.

I hope that this helps.

Kevin M. Windisch MD, FAAP
Sparks Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine
(775) 359-7111
975 Roberta Lane, suite 101 B, Sparks, NV 89431
www.facebook.com/sparkspeds.nv

Ear Infections

After a brief delay dealing with hacker issues on our facebook page we are now back to our regularly scheduled programing.

The ear can be divided into three compartments, the inner, the middle and the outer ear.  Infections can occur in all three parts.

Inner ear infections are quite rare.  These are usually viral in nature and associated with decreased hearing and dizziness.  They only rarely respond to antibiotics.

Middle ear infections are behind the ear drum.  They are occasionally viral in nature but may be bacterial in nature as well.  These are what most people are refering to when they say that they have "an ear infection".  The pus may drain out of the ear through a small hole in the drum created by rupture or a surgical insertion of a needle by a doctor.  The outer ear infections are commonly refered to as swimmer's ear and treated with antibiotic and steroid drops often with the insertion of a wick.

I hope that this serves to clear up some confusion for everyone.

Kevin M. Windisch MD, FAAP
Sparks Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine
(775) 359-7111
975 Roberta Lane, suite 101 B, Sparks, NV 89431.
www.facebook.com/sparkspeds.nv

Talk about Tonsils

When should she have her tonsils out doctor?  I hear this regularly in my office.

Let's start with a description of tonsils.  Tonsils are lymph nodal tissue in the back of the throat.  They contain immune cells are are responsible for immune surveillance in the mouth and throat.  Tonsils in young children may be a big as a large marble but typically shrink down and are not noticeable after 6-10 years of age.

We worry about tonsils when they cause airway obstruction, especially with sleep.  This is evidenced by loud snoring or breath holding during sleep.  We also worry when the child has had 5-6 tonsil infections in one year.  These might be reasons to have tonsils removed.

If you are concerned about your child's tonsils, see your pediatrician.

Kevin M. Windisch MD, FAAP
Sparks Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine
(775) 359-7111
975 Roberta Lane, suite 101 B, Sparks, NV 89431.
www.facebook.com/sparkspeds.nv