2004 Guide To The First Year with Twins

Newborn NOTES
CRADLE CAP: Solutions to itching
Two forms of the
common, non-contagious
skin condition
eczema that affects
more than 5 million children
in America are
Infantile Seborreic
Dermatitis (cradle cap)
and Atopic Dermatitis.
According to Dr. Marta
Rendon, a dermatologist
with the Cleveland Clinic
Florida, cradle cap primarily
affects babies under 1 year of age and spreads quickly
from the scalp or face. Although characterized by red, flaky skin,
this non-hereditary condition does not cause itching. Atopic
Dermatitis, however, is believed to be hereditary and is linked
with asthma and hayfever. It manifests itself over the child’s
entire body as small, oozing blisters and thickening or scaling of
the skin with severe itching. The condition may worsen when
children scratch their skin with dirty fingernails.
If your twins suffer from eczema, use a topical medication such
as Exorex Eczema Gentle Formula.
To learn about treatment options for eczema and to receive
counseling and emotional support if your twins suffer from
eczema, call the toll-free National Psoriasis/Eczema Helpline (888-
3-EXOREX).
Dr. Rendon suggests the following tips to
maintain healthy skin:
■
■
■
■
■
Apply unscented, hypo-allergenic moisturizer whenever
possible, especially after washing.
Avoid hot water, which dries the skin. Warm or tepid water
is best.
Avoid harsh soaps that remove oils from the skin. Opt
instead for a mild soap with a moisturizer.
Pat skin after washing; never rub.
Double rinse machine-washed clothing and bedding and
avoid fabric softeners, which may irritate skin.
■ Switch to 100% cotton clothing, bedding and towels.
■
Keep your twins’ fingernails clipped and sanitary.
Twins, Triplets or More?
NOMOTC can help you find a local club to provide you
support as you face the joys and challenges of parenting multiples!
see www.nomotc.org to find a local club
near you or call (877) 540-2200.
Have questions about what to
expect during pregnancy? How to
breast-feed two? Separate birthday
parties? Toilet training for two or
more?
We can help! Our book “Twins to Quints,”
authored by parents of twins, triplets and more is
a perfect resource for all your questions.
Are you a single parent? Or,
perhaps, your multiples have
special needs?
NOMOTC offers support for not only these categories,
but has support for bereavement and
even for Spanish speaking parents.
Are you a professional dealing
with twins, triplets or more?
NOMOTC offers an Affiliate membership to individuals
who encounter multiples through their
profession or to those parents who don’t have a
local club conveniently located nearby.
22 GUIDE TO THE FIRST YEAR To subscribe to TWINS call 1-888-55-TWINS or go to www.TwinsMagazine.com