Latest news with #IndianAcademyofPaediatrics
Hindustan Times
28-07-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
World Hepatitis Day 2025: Kids may be at hepatitis A risk in monsoon! Paediatrician shares prevention tips
The monsoon season brings unmistakable joy to children – the soothing sound of raindrops, the delight of splashing through puddles, and the thrill of enjoying delicious seasonal treats. However, the rainy season also comes with its fair share of challenges, especially the increased risk of infections that can spread through food and water. One significant concern is Hepatitis A. 4 habits that may expose your child to Hepatitis A(Adobe Stock) What is hepatitis A? Hepatitis A is a viral infection that primarily affects the liver. It is highly contagious and spreads mainly through the ingestion of contaminated food or water. "The unhygienic conditions that can arise during the monsoon season, coupled with the increase in waterborne illnesses, make Hepatitis A a pressing health issue in India. Parents must be aware of the risks associated with this virus and the preventive measures they can take to protect themselves and their children," paediatrician Dr S.G. Kasi tells Health Shots. Why does Hepatitis A risk increase in monsoon? The monsoon often tempts children with seasonal street food, such as golgappas, chaats, and cut fruits, from vendors. In case these may be prepared with unfiltered water and not handled with proper hygiene, it can be risky. Street food is notorious for high contamination risks due to poor sanitation, inadequate storage, and environmental exposure. 'Encourage your children to avoid street food and enjoy freshly prepared, hygienic home-cooked meals instead,' suggests Dr Kasi. Many people believe that clear water is always safe. However, heavy rains can cause leaks in municipal pipelines, mixing clean water with contaminated drainage water. The Hepatitis A virus can survive for extended periods in water, making seemingly clean, stored water a potential risk. The expert says, 'Ensure your child drinks only boiled or filtered water at home and school.' Kids love playing in the rain, which often results in mud-covered hands. "Germs, including the Hepatitis A virus, can linger on hands for hours and on surfaces for days", says Dr Kasi. Public restrooms and schools are high-contact areas that can facilitate the rapid spread of infections. 'Instill the habit of thorough handwashing with soap before meals and after using the toilet,' adds Dr Kasi. Sharing snacks and drinks among friends is common, but it can be particularly hazardous during the rainy season, when infections can spread easily. The Hepatitis A virus can be transmitted through close contact and shared items, putting kids at risk, even if they seem healthy. 'Encourage your child to use their own utensils and water bottle to minimise contact with others' germs,' Dr Kalsi says. Which vaccine is used to prevent hepatitis A? "Vaccination is one of the most reliable methods to protect your child from Hepatitis A. The Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP) recommends vaccinating children aged 1 to 2 years to significantly reduce the risk of infection. If your child hasn't received the vaccination yet, consult your healthcare provider about scheduling it," Dr Kasi tells Health Shots. How to prevent hepatitis A?
Time of India
22-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
IAP launches nationwide initiative on paediatric allergic disorders from Nagpur
1 2 Nagpur: The Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP), under the leadership of its national president 2025, Dr Vasant Khalatkar — who hails from Nagpur — launched a nationwide initiative to tackle the growing but often neglected issue of paediatric allergic disorders. "Allergic diseases are not just about sneezing or itching — they silently steal away a child's happiness, confidence, and health," said Dr Khalatkar, emphasising the urgent need for awareness. "We are not just treating sneezes and rashes — we are protecting childhood," he added, calling on parents, teachers, and paediatricians to take early action. With 20-30% of Indian children now estimated to suffer from allergies such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, food allergies, and atopic dermatitis, the IAP's campaign comes at a crucial time. Rapid urbanisation, climate change, air pollution, and shifting diets are further aggravating the problem. IAP's chapter of allergy and applied immunology will drive this movement from Nagpur to all corners of the country. "India is witnessing a silent surge in allergic disorders," Dr Khalatkar said. "Our mission is to standardise diagnosis, enhance paediatric training, and build community-level awareness so that no child suffers silently." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Storage running out on your Mac? Space Lens will show you why MacPaw Read More Undo The IAP's campaign not only aims at clinical improvement but also focuses on reducing the emotional and social impact of allergies on young lives. The academy has appealed to schools, paediatricians, parents, and policymakers to work hand-in-hand to identify symptoms early, ensure proper care, and create safe, allergy-informed environments. This nationwide effort, rooted in Nagpur leadership, marks a major step towards ensuring that childhood allergies are no longer ignored but addressed with seriousness, empathy, and science.
The Hindu
17-06-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Kerala aims at 100% antibiotic literacy by December
Kerala is working towards keeping its December 2025 deadline for turning into a totally antibiotic-literate State. By December this year, the State intends to conduct antibiotic awareness activities in all hospitals and local self-government institutions (LSGIs) and ensure that no antibiotics are dispensed anywhere in the State without a proper prescription, Health Minister Veena George said here on Tuesday. She was releasing a booklet on the awareness activities on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and proper antibiotic use conducted by the Health department across all districts as part of World AMR Awareness Week, which was observed from November 18 to 24, 2024. Some 395 LSGIs and 734 hospitals in the State had together conducted 2,852 AMR awareness programmes. About 404 private hospitals, 2,238 educational institutions, and 1,530 pharmacies had joined the AMR awareness initiative The Antibiotic Literate Kerala campaign will aim at creating general public awareness on the importance of keeping drinking water and food free of antibiotic residues and how antibiotics should be consumed only as directed by a physician. The campaign will also focus on making the public aware about the significance of disposing of unused or date-expired antibiotic drugs safely, ensuring that they do not pollute waterbodies or are not thrown carelessly into soil. To aid this, an initiative launched by the State Drugs Control department — nPROUD — to ensure the safe disposal of drugs will be scaled up across the State. Despite the efforts at awareness creation, AMR awareness remains at about 40% in the State, multiple studies have proved. Also, the participation of private health sector institutions in AMR-prevention activities has not come up to the desired level. The ambitious goal of 100% antibiotic literacy can be achieved only if the State gives renewed attention to private health sector engagement. Thus, this year, all professional medical associations like the Indian Academy of Paediatrics, Association of Physicians of India, and the Indian Medical Association have pledged to focus more on improving private health sector engagement AMR is a silent pandemic and hence raising awareness and understanding of AMR and promotion of best practices among all One Health stakeholders is important to reduce the emergence and spread of drug-resistant infections. The general public should thus understand that the rational and judicious use of antibiotics is important to prevent the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains of pathogens. Antibiotics should be bought and consumed only when the doctor prescribes them and care should be taken that the course of medicine as instructed by the doctor is completed by the patient, the Health department says.
India Today
13-06-2025
- Health
- India Today
Bathing dos and don'ts for babies with sensitive skin
A baby's skin is remarkably delicate, approximately 30% thinner than that of adults, making it more susceptible to moisture loss and irritation. In the summer and monsoon months, factors like heat, humidity and perspiration can further aggravate a baby's delicate skin, but for babies with sensitive skin conditions, these seasonal changes can result in increased rashes and flare-ups. Their skincare regimen needs special care and start by understanding sensitive conditions and why they need extra babies have delicate and sensitive skin, but some are born with or are prone to specific skin conditions such as Atopic Dermatitis (AD), Eczema, Xerosis, and Diaper Dermatitis. We are increasingly seeing a rise in sensitive skin conditions among Indian babies, with the prevalence of AD affecting them at twice the rate of adults globally. Factors like urbanisation, pollution, and climate change, particularly rising temperatures and humidity, have contributed to the growing incidence of conditions like AD. A recent expert consensus from the Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP) reports that the prevalence of Atopic Dermatitis in Indian children has increased, ranging between 20% and 39%. Therefore, parents need to adopt science-backed skincare practices to effectively manage these Every day, we meet parents who have many concerns about how to manage these sensitive skin conditions in their babies, especially during bath time. How often should one bathe the baby? Will bathing worsen flare-ups? What cleansers to use? Should one look out for specific ingredients?Here's a comprehensive guide on the dos and don'ts of bathing babies with sensitive skin, emphasizing their comfort, health, and skin integrity. This information is provided by Dr. Karthick Annamalai, MD in Pediatrics, DAA, PGPN, PDFNIC, FAGE, a Consultant Pediatrician, Neonatologist, and specialist in Pediatric Allergy and Asthma at Coimbatore Children's Healthcare in Coimbatore.1. DON'T OVERWASH – KEEP BATH TIME ROUTINE SHORTOverbathing can strip the child's skin of its natural oils, weakening the protective barrier and increasing the risk of dryness, itching, and eczema flare-ups. The Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP) recommends that for babies' sensitive skin, the duration of the bath should not exceed 5–10 minutes.[2]They should be bathed in lukewarm water, while avoiding hot baths, as it could further irritate the skin soaps are alkaline and can upset the skin's mildly acidic pH, resulting in further weakening of the stratum corneum. It is recommended to use a soap-free, pH-balanced, fragrance-free, hypoallergenic cleanser. Such products usually have emollient-rich ingredients like glycerine, a humectant that attracts moisture into the skin, providing hydration while carefully stripping sweat, sebum, and environmental pollutants. Lack of harsh surfactants minimises the chances of dryness or irritation post-wash, which is crucial in peak heat It is recommended to use a soap-free, pH-balanced cleanser, preferably oat-based, that's gentle enough for daily use. Avoid harsh soaps or foaming agents that can disrupt the skin's microbiome.2. POST BATH, ALWAYS APPLY MOISTURISERS TO LOCK IN MOISTUREDuring bathing, the cleanser can remove the skin's natural lipids. Applying a soothing moisturiser immediately after the bath, while the skin is still slightly damp, helps seal in moisture and reinforces the skin barrier. The IAP guidelines support the use of emollients containing ceramides, lipids, n-palmitoyl ethanolamine, and natural colloidal Skip moisturising even if the skin appears fine. Preventive hydration is key to moisturising and is also important to reduce flare-ups in babies with sensitive skin conditions or those at high risk for the same.3. DO CHOOSE INGREDIENTS RICH IN COLLOIDAL OATMEALSeasonal changes with extreme summer and monsoon-related humidity bring challenges like heat, sweat, and increased sensitivity. For babies with sensitive skin, soothing ingredients such as colloidal oats can provide relief, and these natural agents help soften babies' skin and soothe inflammation, reduce itchiness and irritation, and protect the skin against environmental stressors. Further, Oat Extract works with other ingredients to moisturise the baby's Look for products that are hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and free from harsh chemicals like parabens, sulphates, and Use adult skincare products on babies. Their formulations are not tailored for infant skin and could do more harm than a baby with sensitive skin requires a balanced approach, gentle cleansing, thorough moisturising, and consistent protection. By keeping baths short, using appropriate cleansers and emollients, and ensuring post-bath hydration, parents can help their babies maintain healthy, comfortable skin even during the harsh weather months. Mindful choices in skincare routines can significantly reduce the impact of sensitive skin conditions, promoting a happier and healthier life.
The Hindu
08-05-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
KARSAP: 450 pharmacy licences suspended, five cancelled
Licences of 450 pharmacies have been suspended and that of five cancelled to prevent antibiotic misuse as part of strengthening the Kerala Antimicrobial Resistance Strategic Action Plan (KARSAP), Minister for Health Veena George has said. The Minister who presided over a meeting on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) said the government directive to medical stores to not sell antibiotics without doctors' prescription had been almost fully implemented. The use of antibiotics had not only declined by 20-30% in the State, but it had also been ensured that those in use were comparatively less dangerous. The meeting decided to intensify tests to detect antibiotic residues in milk, meat, and fish. Directions were given to reduce antibiotic levels in cattle and poultry feed. Colour coding It was decided to introduce colour coding to make all hospitals in the State antibiotic smart hospitals. All hospitals should implement the coding in three months. Directions were also given to issue guidelines for local self-government institutions (LSGIs) as part of the antibiotic literacy. The LSGIs would be colour coded according to these guidelines. It was on this basis that they would have to prepare microplans to become antiobiotic smart. Antibiotics should be dispensed in blue covers to make their identification easier. All hospitals, medical stores, and pharmacies should implement this. Steps had also been taken to make more hospitals antibiotic smart. Activities would be strengthened in the private sector with the support of organisations such as Indian Medical Association, Association of Physicians of India, and the Indian Academy of Paediatrics. Antibiotic literate The Minister said the State was aiming at becoming antibiotic literate by December. She directed that the first district-level antibiogram in the country, brought out by Ernakulam, would be brought out in other districts too in phases. nPROUD (New Program for the Removal of Unused Drugs) launched in Kozhikode for collecting unused and expired drugs and disposing of them scientifically would be expanded across the State.
