Health Care for Children

Heart Murmur
 
A heart murmur is a noise heard between the beats of the heart. By listening to the heartbeat, doctors can usually classify the murmur by location and timing. Heart murmurs are extremely common, and almost always turn out to be harmless. Signs: A doctor will detect the heart murmur while listening to a baby’s heart. Treatment: Normal or “innocent” heart murmurs usually don’t require any treatment. If your child’s pediatrician is concerned, though, he may refer you to a pediatric cardiologist for special tests.

Cradle Cap
 
Redness, greasy scales, and heavy flaking on the scalp are signs of cradle cap — a condition caused by the buildup of oil and the shedding of skin cells. It looks unattractive, but isn’t harmful to your baby. Signs: Scaly patches of skin cells and/or redness appear on the scalp. Treatment: You can treat cradle cap yourself by washing your baby’s head with a mild baby shampoo more frequently than normal. Soft brushing can also help remove the scales. If this doesn’t work, consult your pediatrician. She may prescribe a stronger shampoo or an ointment.
Baby Acne
 
Baby acne or pimples that break out on the face, typically during the fourth or fifth week of life, are harmless. Doctors believe the acne is caused by pregnancy hormones stimulating the oil glands in the skin. Signs: Baby acne looks similar to adult acne. Treatment: Gently wash your baby’s face with mild baby soap once a day. Avoid laundering the crib sheets in harsh detergents.