infectiosum HOME CARE If there is no visible deformity, no fever, and no sharp pain in one location, home care is safe. The pain can be relieved with aspirin or acetaminophen, mild heat from an electric heating pad or a lukewarm bath, and bed rest. If the mattress is not extrafirm, a bed board under the mattress (a piece of plywood will do) may help relieve the discomfort. Have your child avoid any strenuous physical activity until the pain has been gone for at least a week. PRECAUTIONS • If the child has a fever, urinary symptoms, severe pain, or a sharp pain in one area, see your doctor. • Do not use muscle relaxant medications on children unless your doctor has prescribed them. MEDICAL TREATMENT In addition to a careful medical history and physical examination, your doctor may order a urinalysis, xray examination of the spine, and blood studies. Specific treatment depends upon the cause of the back pain. In some cases, the doctor's treatment may be the same as home care. Treatment might also include antibiotics, orthopedic exercises, a back brace, or even hospitalization and traction. RELATED TOPICS: Arthritis; Scoliosis; Urinary tract infections guick Reference Baldness SYMPTOMS • Bare spots on head • Total baldness • Scaliness of scalp • Brokenoff stubbles of hair HOME CARE • Alopecia areata cannot be treated at home, except with patience until the hair grows back in. • Hereditary and congenital baldness cannot be treated, except with understanding. A hairpiece may be helpful. PRECAUTIONS • Do not use overthecounter (nonprescription) preparations that promise hair growth. • Do not consult cosmetologists for baldness. See a qualified dermatologist Baldness is a loss of hair either in one spot or over the entire scalp. Some infants are born bald or nearly so and develop a full head of hair during their first two years. Rarely do babies born bald remain bald for life. Other babies are born with a full head of hair. They may remain that way. or their original hair may be replaced by a second and permanent growth. Rarely is hair lost during infancy and never replaced. Infants commonly rub off a band of hair in the back against the crib or playpen mat. Hair that is rubbed off in this way will grow back. Drawing the hair tightly into pigtails, braids, or ponytails also may result in temporary bald spots. Children with the habit of twisting and playing with strands of hair may also lose hair. Emotionally disturbed children may pull out their hair by the handfuls; this condition, called trichotillomania, requires treatment of the child's emotional problems. Hair loss in hereditary baldness is gradual, beginning at the forehead on either side and continuing to the top of the head. ? Alopecia areata is a condition that results in the sudden appear of round or oval areas that are totally bald. The scalp may be an jetejy normal in appearance or slightly pink. Although temporary, th condition may last for months or years. three-day