roseola Rarely is the entire head involved. The cause is unknown. Ringworm of the scalp produces scattered bald spots. The scalp is scaly and the bald spots are studded with brokenoff stubbles of hair. Hereditary baldness occurs primarily in males. It causes baldness at the temples or the top of the scalp. Occasionally this type of baldness starts during adolescence. Hyperparathyroidism (malfunction of the parathyroid glands) may result in scattered baldness. The disease is accompanied by other signs of illness. Impetigo and other infections of the scalp produce temporary bald spots. Teenagers often fear that they are going bald when they see loose hair after combing. Usually this condition is merely a normal thinning of the hair that does not worsen. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS Inspect the scalp closely for signs of ringworm or infection. Look for broken or regrowing hairs. Watch to see if the child is rubbing his or her head against the playpen or crib, or if the child has a habit of twisting or pulling the hair. HOME CARE Alopecia areata is treated with patience and time. Hereditary and congenital baldness (baldness present at birth) can be treated only with understanding and love: a hairpiece may be helpful. PRECAUTIONS • Do not treat baldness with overthecounter preparations that promise growth of hair. • Do not consult cosmetologists. See a qualified dermatologist. MEDICAL TREATMENT Impetigo: Ringworm Alopecia areata is sometimes successfully treated with steroids ei ner applied to the skin or locally injected. Hyperparathyroidism must oe diagnosed by blood tests; it is treated with prescribed doses of vita min D and a special diet. RELATED TOPICS:? Quick Reference Bedwetting SYMPTOM • Frequent bedwetting after age five HOME CARE • First see your doctor to find out if the cause is a physical disorder. • If there is no physical cause, the best home care is patience, calmness, and understanding. Try to ignore and avoid the problem as much as possible. • Rubber sheets and plastic pants will make housekeeping easier until the child stops bedwetting. PRECAUTIONS • If a trained child suddenly begins bedwetting, suspect a physical illness. • Do not take a child out of night diapers until he or she consistently remains dry. • Do not make a big fuss over daytime training. • Do not try to shame children into remaining dry at night • Do not use devices that awaken the child as urination starts. • Do not let bedwetting bring anger and frustration into your relationship with your child. • Do not let other children taunt a bed wetter. Many children cannot remain dry through the night before they are four or five. About 10 percent of all children over the age of five are bed wetters. Children of any age may have occasional accidents at night, especially if they are ill or in exhausted sleep; this is not true bed wetting. In 5 to 10 percent of cases, children who are bed wetters have a physical disease, such as an infection or abnormality of the urinary tract, diabetes, or a neurologic (nervous system) disorder. erythema