infants Apply antiseptic to minor wounds. Consult your doctor immediately for advice concerning rabies, tetanus, and repair of the wound. Your doctor will need to know when your child was most recently vaccinated against tetanus. The likelihood that an animal bite will become infected is very high. If redness begins spreading out from the wound or if the wound becomes more tender, call your doctor. If at all possible, the animal that bit the child should be inspected for rabies. Because catching an animal can be extremely dangerous, call the local police or health authorities and allow them to deal with the animal. If the animal is a pet, find out if it has been vaccinated against rabies. In some states, all animal bites must be reported to the police. PRECAUTIONS • Make sure that your child's tetanus immunization status is up to date. • Always contact your doctor about treatment in the case of animal bites. • Be sure that your own pets (dogs and cats) receive regular rabies shots. MEDICAL TREATMENT Because of the high possibility of infection, your doctor may decide not to stitch the wound. However, if the wound is located where scarring is not desirable (such as on the face), the doctor may choose to stitch the wound. Treatment begins with removal of injured tissue and thorough cleansing. Antibiotics taken by mouth may be prescribed. If necessary, your doctor may give the child a tetanus booster or antitoxin (a substance that counteracts the poisonous effects of the tetanus bacterium). The decision to give antirabies vaccine, with or without antiserum, is difficult to make. There is a possibility of serious reactions. However, with new antirabies vaccines now being tested, the likelihood of serious reactions may be lessened. Your doctor will arrange for examination of the animal for rabies. If the animal is not caught, the decision depends on the likelihood of rabies in your area, the circumstances of the bite (provoked or unprovoked), and the species of the animal. Local and state health departments can provide information to help you make this decision. RELATED TOPICS: Bruises; Cat scratch fever: Cuts: Puncture Wounds; Scrapes: Tetanus Quick Reference Anorexia nervosa SYMPTOMS • Aversion to food • Excessive dieting • Excessive exercise • Obsession with subject of food • Distorted body image • Overeating followed by selfinduced vomiting • Absence of menstruation • Downy hair on body HOME CARE • Anorexia nervosa requires medical care. PRECAUTIONS • If the condition is not treated, the anorexic may starve to death. • Obedient and successful children who try hard to fulfill the expectations of others are at higher risk of becoming anorexic.? Anorexia nervosa means literally "nervous loss of appetite." Actually however, persons with this condition-almost always female and from middleclass homes-do not lose their appetites. Rather, they willfully suppress the urge to eat in an unhealthy desire to lose more and more weight. cough