MD, DPed, FIAP, FRCPCH (UK)
Dr. Raju Shah is the medical director of the Ankur Institute of Child Health and is a former professor and head of the department of pediatrics at the GCS Medical College, both in Ahmedabad, India. He obtained his MBBS in 1970 and MD in pediatrics in 1974 from the B. J. Medical College in Ahmedabad and trained in vaccinology at the International Vaccine Institute in Korea in 2005. He has been awarded FIAP in 1993 and Honorary FRCPCH (UK) in 2015. President of the Paediatric Association of SAARC from 2005 to 2008, professor Shah was also chairman of the Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP) National Task Force on Safe Injection Practices (2005-7) and of the IAP Task Force on Children of Urban Poor (2005-7). Dr. Shah was a chairman of Infectious Disease Chapter from 2001 to 2003 and was founder secretary from 1997 to 2001. He was the chairman of the Immunisation Committee of IAP for the years 2005 and 2006 and convener of the Immunisation committee from 1988 to 1993.In his career of 42 years, professor Shah has conducted many research activities, including primary immunisation responses to the DPT+Hib and pentavalent DPT+HBV+Hib vaccines. He published more than 50 articles in peer reviewed journals. He was the executive editor of the Textbook of Paediatrics (IAP, 3rd Edition), Editor in Chief of IAP Textbook of Tropical Pediatrics (2019) and Editor of the Guidebook on Immunisation (IAP, 2006). Professor Shah has also edited as Editor in Chief three books on immunisation and infectious diseases and has contributed chapters to many books on different aspects of pediatrics. He was sitting on the Editorial Board of Indian Pediatrics, Paediatrics Today and the Indian Journal of Paediatrics.The winner of numerous oration awards including Hon Surg Cmde Late Dr. Shantilal C. Sheth Oration of IAP in Pedicon 2015, professor Shah delivered more than 500 guest lectures at many national, international and state level conferences and CMEs.
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Scabies in babies is an itchy rash that commonly affects infants and young children. When an infant or baby has scabies, they develop several dot-like, red, pustules and rashes on the body. These rashes are surrounded by raised, thread-like white lines, which are a characteristic feature of scabies that helps in differentiating it from other skin conditions such as dermatitis or eczema. Since the rash is contagious and can make babies irritable and fussy, its prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to alleviate itching and avert complications. Keep reading as we tell you all about scabies, their symptoms, treatment, and effective management using some home remedies. [mj-toc] What Is Scabies And How Is It Caused? Scabies in babies is also called pediatric scabies or infantile scabies. It is caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei. The bug is microscopic, about the size of the head of a pin. It belongs to the same family as ticks, another human parasite (1). The...
Pica is defined as the tendency of children to put non-food substances into their mouths. Thus, pica in children is a common occurrence since babies are naturally curious about anything and everything. The most common items that children tend to put in their mouths are dirt, grass, toys, clay, etc. Studies state that the most common causes of pica include anemia and malnutrition. Although there are no set rules for preventing pica in kids, keeping an eye out for what babies put inside their mouth and giving attention to their eating habits can help reduce these incidences. Continue reading this post to know more about pica, its causes, treatment, and prevention techniques. [mj-toc] What is Pica? [caption id="attachment_886560" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] Pica is an eating disorder in which children develop cravings for non-food items for more than a month. The word ‘pica’ comes from the Latin word magpie, a bird with an indiscriminate appetite. It is also known as compulsive...
Overfeeding a baby is fairly uncommon, although possible. Babies self-regulate feeding and give cues when they are hungry or full, and you need to spot and decipher these signs or cues to know when to stop feeding. However, sometimes, you might miss these signals and continue feeding the baby, leading to overfeeding. Is missing the cues the only reason parents overfeed their babies, or could there be other reasons as well? Read on as we tell you the common causes of overfeeding a baby, the peculiar signs that the baby is being overfed, complications of overfeeding, and tips to prevent overfeeding your baby. [mj-toc] What Causes Overfeeding In Babies? Things that lead to overfeeding in babies include: Feeding milk or formula through bottle: According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), formula-fed infants are at a higher risk of overfeeding because formula milk is usually fed through bottles (1). Bottles allow a free flow of milk, so the baby keeps...
Ringworm in babies is a common contagious disease (1). Contrary to what the name may suggest, ringworm originates because of fungal infection and not worms. The condition often manifests on one side of the body or face and looks like a round, scaly, pink, or red patch (2). This patch is usually itchy but rarely painful. In most cases, a cut or eczema on the skin may lead to the occurrence of ringworm. The condition may spread through an infected person or pet. Therefore, maintaining hygiene in babies is the most important step toward preventing infection. This post provides you with information on the causes and symptoms of ringworm in babies and helps you understand its treatment options and preventive measures. Read on. [mj-toc] What Is Ringworm? Ringworm or dermatophytosis is an infection caused by different species of fungi. Dermatophytes of the genera T[simple_tooltip text="richophyton" tooltip="A genus of fungi in the order of Onygenales that infects humans and other animals'...
Hair loss is a common problem most women experience post-childbirth (1). However, hair loss in toddlers could cause concern for a new mom. In contrast to a common myth that hair loss is seen only in adults, this issue is also seen in babies and toddlers. The difference is that your toddler may not be concerned about their hair fall woes, but it is troublesome for you. However, hair loss is a rare phenomenon in toddlers, with approximately 3% of patients reporting to a pediatrician. So, if you detect severe hair loss in your toddler, it is best to contact the doctor. Read on as we discuss some of the possible causes and ways to manage and prevent hair loss in toddlers. [mj-toc] What Causes Hair Loss In Toddlers? There are a number of causes of hair fall in toddlers. Some are mild and easily treatable, but others require more stringent treatment plans. Check out the reason your little one's...
Cases of hair loss in children account for about three percent of the visits to the pediatrician, as stated by the American Hair Loss Association (AHLA). Although it is common for children to lose their temporary hair overtime before the growth of permanent hair, losing hair at an increased rate and the appearance of bald patches might be a cause for concern. Even though the early loss of hair in children can be managed with the help of proper treatment, care and medications, it can initially be heart-wrenching to see your child lose so much hair at such a young age. The most common causes of this problem in kids include infections (bacterial or viral), effects of antibiotics, or pediatric alopecia. According to the AHLA, pediatric alopecia can be managed with the help of a proper diagnosis (1). Read on to know more about what causes hair loss in kids and ways to manage them. [MJ_RELATED_LINKS href="https://www.momjunction.com/articles/reasons-for-loss-of-appetite-in-children_00349759/" title="Loss Of Appetite...
Toddler tantrums at bedtime can be challenging, making it difficult to put a baby to sleep. However, understand that tantrums are a part of a child’s normal development. They often occur out of discomfort, hunger, frustration, or tiredness (1). Toddlers use verbal communication to express themselves freely by the age of two. However, they may still struggle to convey their thoughts clearly, hence the tantrums. These tantrums could be classified as exhaustion, temper, and frustration tantrums. While some toddlers participate in it rarely, others may do it quite often. Read to find out the possible reasons behind these tantrums and a few tips for managing them. [mj-toc] Why Do Toddlers Suddenly Start Crying At Bedtime? [caption id="attachment_892435" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] While tantrums are common, if your toddler throws a tantrum at bedtime, it can be a frustrating experience for you. When toddlers throw tantrums to evade sleep at night, it can affect not just their sleep schedule but yours...
If it's a hot, sunny day, you might wonder if it is safe to give water to your six-month-old baby. While you may be aware of when to start your baby's solid food diet, the information about water consumption may not be well known. So, when can babies drink water? The right time depends on the age, different activities, and the child’s food intake. Moreover, it is important to introduce small quantities to avoid any discomfort. You need to adopt certain measures while hydrating your baby to ensure it does not adversely affect their health. So, if you have similar queries, read on! In this post, we will tell you about water for babies, including the right time, the adequate quantity, preventive measures, and the right ways to feed it to your little one. [mj-toc] When Can Babies Drink Water? Once your baby is six months old, you can begin giving water in small amounts. This is the time when...
Down syndrome is a genetic disorder that is caused due to the presence of an extra set of chromosome 21. Down syndrome in babies can lead to developmental delays and intellectual disabilities and also increase the risk of heart diseases and thyroid. The symptoms of Down syndrome can affect the child physically and psychologically. Read on to know more about Down syndrome, its causes, symptoms, treatment, and preventive measures. [mj-toc] What is Down Syndrome? Down syndrome is a condition where the person has an extra set of the chromosome 21, which is also the smallest human [simple_tooltip text="autosome" tooltip=" Any chromosome except for a sex hormone that could be involved in various metabolic processes in the human body" ]. It means there are three chromosomes instead of two, which gives Down syndrome the name trisomy 21 (1). The genetic material from the extra chromosome affects the development of the embryo, causing a series of abnormalities that have a lifelong effect...
Yawning, clinginess, and fussiness are common signs of an overtired baby. Nearly 14 to 15 hours of sleep is needed for babies over six months during the day (1). A baby can become overtired if they don't get sufficient sleep. Sometimes [simple_tooltip text="overstimulation" tooltip="A phenomenon where babies get overwhelmed due to being exposed to too many stimuli simultaneously" ]can also be the reason for it. Usually, the sleep hours reduce or change as the baby grows. This is acute physical fatigue that makes the babies tired and exhausted. This may activate stress responses and further fluctuate their sleep patterns. Parents and caregivers struggle harder to soothe their overtired babies. However, avoiding long waking hours and sending them back to sleep may help some babies overcome this issue. Lullabies and avoiding eye contact also help them fall asleep. Read on to know more about the signs of overtiredness in babies and how to prevent it. [mj-toc] Why Do Babies Get Overtired?...
Parents often observe the color of their baby’s poop to ensure that they are pooping right. However, a change in poop\'s color, such as black poop in babies, can raise concerns. Baby poop can be of different textures, colors, smells, and consistencies. They can usually be seen in green, yellow, tan, brown, and some other colors as well (1). The usual color should be brown because of the [simple_tooltip text="bilirubin pigment" tooltip="The yellowish pigment made by breaking down red blood cells that travel through the liver and excreted out of the body." ] secreted from the liver. The bilirubin flows into the small intestines and turns brown as it passes through the small intestines (2). However, any other color of poop in babies could be due to an underlying condition and may require doctor consultation. Read on to know about black stool in babies, including its cause, meaning behind the colors, and when you should worry. [mj-toc] Is Black Stool...