In Question

Now that children shouldn’t be given cold medicines, what can I do for my child’s cold?

You can help your child stay comfortable by treating each cold symptom individually. For a stuffy head, try using a vaporizer or cool-mist humidifier in your child’s room. Just be sure to clean it according to the manufacturer’s directions. Honey can help soothe a cough. Try ½ teaspoon for children ages 2 to 5, 1 teaspoon for those ages 6 to 11 and 2 teaspoons for kids ages 12 and older. However, do not give honey to children younger than age 2. Treat a fever with acetaminophen or ibuprofen, following the package directions. And encourage your child to drink lots of fluids and get plenty of rest.

How can I get rid of athlete’s foot?

Keeping your feet clean and dry is key in treating athlete’s foot. Wash your feet at least twice a day and be sure to dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes. Choose cotton socks and change them as often as necessary to keep your feet dry. Over-the-counter antifungal powders or creams can also help provide relief. Look for products that contain clotrimazole, miconazole or tolnaftate. If none of these treatments work after a couple of weeks, call your doctor.

What is Raynaud’s disease?

Raynaud’s disease causes the blood vessels in the extremities to narrow as a reaction to cold weather or stress. The skin around the area turns white and blue as the area temporarily loses blood flow. Raynaud’s occurs most frequently in the fingers and toes, but it can also affect the ears, nipples, nose or lips. As blood flow returns, the skin turns red and may tingle or throb. The disease is usually mild, but when it is severe, it can cause sores on the skin or gangrene (dead or decaying tissue). Most cases of Raynaud’s can be treated at home by soaking the hands or feet in warm water when symptoms first appear. Avoiding the cold and staying warm and dry by wearing a hat, mittens, and warm socks and shoes in cold weather can also help reduce the risk for an attack.

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