A raised, reddishbrown skin blemish which sometimes appears on the face or legs in early childhood (see naevus). Although they are usually harmless, an unsightly growth,or one suspected of being skin cancer, can be removed surgically.
Clinical features There are various types. The oligoarthritic type involves 1–4 joints (usually knee or ankle) which become hot, swollen and painful. One complication is an in?ammation of the eyes – UVEITIS. The condition often ‘burns out’, but may reappear at any time, even years later.
The polyarthritic type is more like RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS in adults, and the child may have persistent symptoms leading to major joint deformity and crippling.
The systemic type, previously called Still’s disease, presents with a high fever and rash, enlarged liver, spleen and lymph nodes, and arthritis – although the latter may be mild. In some children the illness becomes recurrent; in others it dies down only to return as polyarthritis.
Complications These include uveitis, which can lead to loss of vision; a failure to thrive; osteoporosis (see under BONE, DISORDERS OF); joint deformity; and psychosocial diffculties.
Treatment This includes ANTIPYRETICS and ANALGESICS, including NON-STEROIDAL ANTIINFLAMMATORY DRUGS (NSAIDS), intra-articular steroid injections, anti-tumour necrosis factor drugs and steroids.
Physiotherapy is vital, and children may need to wear splints or other orthotic devices to alleviate deformity and pain. Orthopaedic operative procedures may be necessary.... juvenile idiopathic arthritis (jia)
Treatment. BHP (1983) recommends: Meadowsweet, Balm of Gilead, Poke root, Bogbean, Hart’s Tongue fern, Mountain Grape.
Teas: Singly or in combination (equal parts): Chamomile, Bogbean, Nettles, Yarrow. 1-2 teaspoons to each cup boiling water; infuse 5-10 minutes. 1 cup thrice daily before meals.
Tablets/capsules. Blue Flag root, Dandelion root, Poke root, Prickly Ash bark.
Formula. White Poplar bark 2; Black Cohosh half; Poke root quarter; Valerian quarter; Liquorice quarter. Mix. Dose: Powders: 500mg (two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon) (children 5-12 years: 250mg – one 00 capsule or one-sixth teaspoon). Liquid extracts: 1 teaspoon: (children 5-12: 3-10 drops). Tinctures: 2 teaspoons: (children 5-12: 5-20 drops).
Evening Primrose oil. Immune enhancer.
Topical. Hot poultice: Slippery Elm, Mullein or Lobelia.
Diet: Lacto vegetarian. Kelp. Comfrey tea. Molasses. Low fat.
General. Adequate rest, good nursing, gentle manipulation but no massage to inflamed joints. Natural lifestyle. Parental emotional support.
Oily fish. See entry. ... arthritis, juvenile, chronic
Possible complications include short stature, anaemia, pleurisy, pericarditis, and enlargement of the liver and spleen. Uveitis may develop, which, if untreated, may damage vision. Rarely, amyloidosis may occur or kidney failure may develop. Diagnosis is based on the symptoms, together with the results of X-rays and blood tests, and is only made if the condition lasts for longer than 3 months.
Treatment may include antirheumatic drugs, corticosteroid drugs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or aspirin. Splints may be worn to rest inflamed joints and to reduce the risk of deformities. Physiotherapy reduces the risk of muscle wasting and deformities.
The arthritis usually clears up after several years. However, in some children, the condition remains active into adult life.
– kala-azar A form of leishmaniasis that is spread by insects. Kala-azar occurs in parts of Africa, India, the Mediterranean, and South America.... juvenile chronic arthritis
Tumours usually develop on exposed skin but may occur anywhere on the body. A melanoma usually grows from an existing mole, which may enlarge, become lumpy, bleed or crust over, change colour, develop an irregular edge, turn into a scab, or become itchy. Occasionally, a melanoma develops in normal skin. The tumour often spreads to other parts of the body. Diagnosis is by a skin biopsy and the melanoma is removed surgically. Radiotherapy or anticancer drugs may also be necessary.... melanoma, malignant
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