Dengue Fever is now a major infectious disease in Malaysia (Update 2014)

The number of Dengue cases had increased dramatically over the past few weeks and below is the statistic by the Ministry of Health of Malaysia.

Parents should be vigilant of the child's fever especially during current period and bring the child to doctor for examination and blood investigation if necessary.The type of blood test (either Dengue NS-1 or Ig M) is mentioned in the chart below.

Source: CDC

                               
                                       Source: PIDJ Volume 32, Number 9, September 2013

Chicken Pox Vaccine in Malaysia

After an absence for about 1 and a half year, the chickenpox (Varicella zoster) vaccine is finally back in Malaysia. This time round, we managed to get the vaccine from MSD called Varivax. For those parents who want the vaccine please called 06-7677800 ext 1119 to book for an appointment.

Common skin infection among children in Malaysia : Impetigo

2. Impetigo

Can be divided into 2 types:

Bullous:  which causes fluid filled, painless vesicles usually over  face, body and arms and legs.

Ethyma: Usually painful, pus filled that turns into deep ulcers commonly on the arms and legs.

Caused by: Bacteria (Streptococcal or Staphylococcal infection)

Treatment: Antibiotics and local antiseptic cream or solution. (Please consult your doctor)

Common skin infection among children in Malaysia :Scabies

1. Scabies

Occuring over the webspace of the fingers and folds in skin and spread to other parts of the body.

Usually very itchy.

Cause by: Sarcoptes scabii , a mites infected by direct contact with skin of a infected person. Common source is children in school or playground.

Treatment: Permethrine 5% lotion. (Please consult your doctor)

References

1. Americal Academy of Dermatology. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/contagious-skin-diseases/scabies#overview

2. CDC.  https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/scabies/index.html

National Immunisation schedule Malaysia 2012

Adapted from Malaysia Paediatric Protocol 3rd Edition 2012

Latest 2013/2014 Influeanza vaccine for children is out. Contact your paediatrician for further details.

The latest vaccine for Influenza for 2013/14 season for north hemisphere is out. Get more info from your paediatrician.

Onychomadesis: A common sequalae and concern for patients after Hand Foot and Mouth Disease

There is an increased number of pediatric patients presented with Onychomadesis, seperation of nail from nail bed after the recent bout of Hand Foot Mouth Disease (HFMD) in Malaysia.

It usually occurs 1-2 months after the HFMD episode and recovered spontaneously without any treatment.


The photos of onychomadesis of a few of my patients is shown below as reference: