On the Coast – Families Issue 97 I December/January 2019 | Page 27

Now enrolling for 2019 Classes held at Terrigal for girls of all ages from only $6 per class. ½ hour Preschoolers Dance Class only $4. We also have classes for mums Physie is a combination of various dance types all choreographed by BjP Physical Culture to the latest, age appropriate music. Increase your confidence, fitness and flexibility while making new friends and having lots of fun. resources online on how to do wet dressings. • Bleach Baths – this is often a difficult sell when I suggest this to patients! This discovery came about when it was observed that kids with eczema that swam in chlorinated pools had less flare ups of eczema. Studies conducted showed that by adding a bit of bleach to a bath that children with eczema had less flare ups, used less steroid cream, had less infections, required less antibiotics use and less itch due to its anti-septic and anti-inflammatory properties on the skin. Using ¼ cup plain white king in a ½ filled adult bath for approximately 5 minutes is safe concentration for children. • Antibiotics – if your child is showing signs of infection such as weeping and crusting of the skin they may need antibiotics. Food Allergy and Eczema Parents often ask if their child’s eczema is because of a food allergy. Children with eczema are more likely to suffer from food allergies but usually their food allergies are not related to their eczema (it is more of an association rather than cause). Care must be taken with dietary eliminations as this can lead to nutritional deficiencies and food aversions. The best way to check is once the eczema is clear, try reintroducing food – if a rash appears within 30 minutes to 1 hr after eating, a food allergy may be the cause. Please talk to your doctor if you suspect a food allergy. Also be aware that some foods act as an irritant around the mouth (just like saliva) , so take care with acidic foods during flare ups such as orange juice, watermelon, and tomato sauce. What if my child keeps getting flare ups of eczema? All of the above can be very time consuming and as busy parents it is hard to stick religiously to the eczema management regime. Once your child’s eczema has cleared it is important to continue ‘maintenance measures’ such as moisturising and to try and avoid or minimise triggers. You don’t have to wrap them in cotton wool but it might be after a morning at the beach – make sure they rinse off the sand and apply some moisturiser afterwards to help protect the skins barrier. If you are still struggling to break your child’s ‘itch scratch cycle’ please see your GP. Resources www.rch.org.au/uploadedFiles/Main/Content/derm/knowing-your-childs-eczema-booklet(1).pdf Georgia enjoys all aspects of general practice and has been working at Your Family Doctors at Erina for the last 12 years. The practice has lovely new rooms and has a fabulous team of Doctors and Nurses, some of whom are accepting new patients. They pride themselves on delivering good quality health care, with that special personal touch. For more information call 4365 4999, check the website www.yourfamilydoctors.com.au or like them on facebook. 1st lesson free for all new members Contact: Melinda Morris Phone: [phone] Email: [email protected] www.terrigalwoodportphysie.weebly.com Breast Cancer Rehabilitation Kate Perkins, B.App.Sci (Occupational Therapy) helps women who have undergone surgery and related treatment for breast cancer gain recovery of strength, movement, and energy. » Monitoring pre & post breast cancer treatment » Assessment and management of Lymphoedema » Strength After Breast Cancer prescribed exercise program » Scar tissue management – surgical, adhesive scar tissue, cording » Low Level Laser Therapy » Lymph and Scar Taping techniques » Manual Lymph Drainage massage » Compression garment prescription » Patient Education » EPC and Health Fund Claimable Call Kate on 0425 554 994 to book an appointment. @lymphaticsolutionsau E: [email protected] www.lymphaticsolutions.com.au DECEMBER/JANUARY – ISSUE 97 27