Encyclopedia of Homeopathy

246 •HOMEOPATHIC SELF-HELPCHILDREN’S HEALTHBabyhood lasts from birth to one year old, a period ofextremely rapid growth. The birth weight of a baby candouble within six months and triple within a year. By oneyear, most babies can stand. Childhood as a stage of humandevelopment extends roughly from one to twelve years old.During this period the immune system flexes its muscles,so to speak, in readiness for puberty and adulthood.Illnesses contracted in childhood help to provide the bodyDISORDERCOLICColic is believed to be spasm of the intestines that causes a babyto scream, pull up its legs, and turn red. Colic occurs at aboutthree months of age, usually in the evening, and for several hours.It may be aggravated by the mother’s tension or her diet (if sheis breast-feeding), or by the baby gulping milk or swallowing air.SELF-HELP If breast-feeding, avoiding foods such as citrus fruits,strong spices, caffeine, legumes, and cows’-milk products may behelpful. If bottle-feeding, enlarge the nipple hole.CAUTION If the baby vomits or has diarrhea, see a doctor within12 hours. If the baby is pale and limp, call 911.DIAPER RASHA baby’s buttocks, genitals, and even thighs may become redand sore due to contact with soiled diapers. This is caused byirritating chemicals released from urine and feces, or in thedetergent used to wash nondisposable diapers. The rash maydevelop into candidiasis as a secondary infection, especially if ababy or breast-feeding mother is taking antibiotics.SELF-HELP Wash the baby’s bottom with a solution of calendulaand hypericum, dry well, and apply calendula cream. Change thebaby’s diapers frequently.CAUTION If the condition does not improve, consult a doctor.TEETHINGTeething describes the discomfort that may arise during theeruption from the gums of a baby’s milk teeth. This usuallystarts at the age of about six months and continues untilapproximately the end of the child’s third year. Symptomsinclude sore gums, irritability, and upset stomach.SELF-HELP Combination R tissue salts (see page 216) may begiven throughout the teething period.CAUTION If there is a high fever (see page 248) do not assumethat it is a symptom of the teething, and consult a doctor.TEMPER TANTRUMSA young child has outbursts of anger, shouting, and crying whenthwarted. The causes may be emotional tension within the family, alack of parental affection, inconsistent disciplining by parents, whichmay produce insecurity, or simply a child testing the boundaries.Tantrums are exacerbated by teething, allergy, or digestive ailments.SELF-HELP Discipline a child consistently, and avoid arguments.Give the child plenty of attention except during a tantrum, whenunacceptable behavior is best ignored. Distract the child fromthe undesirable behavior.CAUTION If problems persist, ask a doctor about family therapy.SPECIFIC AILMENTColic with knees pulledup to the chestColic with crying relievedby warmthDry rash on a baby withsensitive skinIntensely itchy rashwith blistersTeething with irritabilityand angerTeething with suddenpain and flushed faceTemper tantrums in achild with threadwormsChild is impossibleto pleasePHYSICAL SYMPTOMS• Knees pulled up to the chest in responseto sharp stomach pains• Great distress• Sudden onset of griping or shooting painsin the stomach that come in wavesdue to flatulence • Bloated abdomen• Pains are not relieved by burping• Great distress• Skin is generally dry and sensitive• Skin in the diaper area is dry, red, scaly,and irritated• Desire to scratch as soon as a diaperis removed• Redness and blisters in the diaper area• Extremely itchy skin• Desire to scratch as soon as a diaperis removed• Acutely inflamed gums that are sorewhen touched• Diarrhea• One cheek appears hot and red whilethe other is pale• Face is hot and flushed• Staring eyes• Mouth is hot and dry• Gums are painful and inflamed• Itching of the rectum and anus (tiny, whitethreadworms may be detected on adhesive tapeplaced across the anus first thing in the morning)• Grinding teeth during sleep• One cheek may be red if the child is teething• Stools may be green, watery, and smelllike rotten eggs• Possible convulsive symptoms in extremecases, with child going into spasms of rage