erythema The "Quick Reference" pages of each article summarize the most important facts about the symptoms, home care, and precautions for each condition. You can see at a glance what you need to know. Special pages designated "Emergency Quick Reference" begin articles that deal with lifethreatening conditions. Each article continues with a clear description of what the particular disease or condition is, what causes it, and, in some cases, when and in whom it is most likely to occur. Some diseases, for instance, occur primarily in the first few years of life; others are particularly common among adolescents; yet others tend to afflict people of a particular ethnic background. Under the heading "Signs and Symptoms" are listed the clues that should alert you that your child may have the condition, along with brief details on how the doctor will reach a firm diagnosis-by examining the child, for instance, or by having xrays done. Under "Home Care" are described the measures that you can take to make the child more comfortable, such as giving aspirin or acetaminophen to ease aches and pains or performing simple first aid for a minor cut or scrape. You'll also learn when home treatment should not be attempted because the child should be seen by a doctor immediately. Under the heading "Precautions" are listed measures to prevent your child from getting the disease in question (for example, by keeping vaccinations up to date) and suggestions about how to take care of the child if he or she does get sick. You'll also find other practical information, such as whether the child should be isolated, whether she should use separate towels and linens to avoid spreading an infection to other family members, and whether other family members should be treated at the same time even if they do not have definite symptoms of the condition. This section also alerts you to possible complications that require medical attention and points out any situations or developments that are normal and don't need a doctor's care-a useful way of tinding out when it is not necessary to worry. The final section of each article, "Medical Treatment," tells you how a doctor goes about treating the condition. This section is designed to belp you understand the doctor's orders and carry them out accurately so that your child gets well again as fast as possible. You'll also learn if any followup care or testing is going to be necessary.? Quick Reference Acne SYMPTOMS • Blackheads • Whiteheads • Pimples HOME CARE • Wash with mild soap twice a day. • Apply acne preparations that contain sulfur, resorcinol, salicylic acid, or mild benzoyl peroxide. PRECAUTIONS • Never allow xray treatment of acne. • Avoid cosmetics that contain oil. • Do not squeeze or pick pimples. • See your doctor if acne does not improve or if cysts develop. \ y • Acne in young infants should not be treated with any medication. Wash the affected, skin area twice a day with a mild soap to control acne. hand