Ask the doc

Lumps and bumps on your head can occur quite frequently; however, if a new lump or bump develops, you should check with your doctor to determine the underlying reason. Some bumps can be caused by infected hair follicles, or folliculitis. If this is the case, you should see your doctor to determine if you need an antibiotic. If a lump develops under the skin, it could be due to several conditions. Benign (not cancerous) fatty tumors called lipomas can develop all over the body. These are not as common on the scalp, but may appear on your neck. Epidermal cysts are another benign cause of strange lumps, and can generally be removed in your primary care physician's office, or by a surgeon if they are very large. As you can tell, many causes of growths on the scalp are benign, but if you are concerned you should talk with your primary care physician to determine exactly what is causing the growth.

How do you know if you have an ulcer? How is it different from a stomachache?

Peptic ulcers are open sores in the upper part of the digestive tract that can cause stomach pain, but can be dangerous because they may lead to internal bleeding. Peptic ulcers can occur in two locations: the lining of the stomach (gastric) or the upper part of the small intestine (duodenal). Symptoms of peptic ulcers include discomfort in the upper abdomen, heartburn, feeling full quickly when eating, nausea, vomiting, and blood in stools, which may be dark or tar-like. Some people have several of these symptoms, while others have no symptoms at all.

If you are concerned about ulcers, your doctor may order a test called an EGD where a flexible tube with a camera is inserted through the mouth down to the stomach. Small tissue samples can be taken at the same time to check for any abnormal cells. Anyone with confirmed ulcers is also tested for a bacteria called Helicobacter pylori, which can cause ulcers. Treatment is directed at the underlying cause, so if H. pylori is the cause of your ulcer, you'll be treated with antibiotics and acid suppressing medication. If you do not have H. pylori, you'll be treated with acid suppressing medication alone.

If you have been diagnosed with an ulcer, there are several steps you'll be encouraged to take. NSAIDs such as ibuprofen can increase your risk of bleeding, so you should use alternatives like acetaminophen as much as possible. Alcohol and smoking can also worsen ulcers and should be eliminated.

Check with your family doctor if you have concerns about symptoms like these. They will be able to give you further guidance and evaluation.

Can you put sunscreen on a baby?

According to the FDA, sunscreen should not be used on infants under 6 months of age. The best approach is to keep children under 6 months out of the sun, especially between the hours of 10am and 2 pm when the sun's rays are most intense. There are multiple reasons for this precaution. Infants have a higher surface area to body weight ratio, meaning they have a lot of skin! By slathering on sunscreen, you increase your infants exposure to the chemicals in sunscreen. Younger infants also do not sweat like older children and adults. By using sunscreen, we often develop a false sense of security in the sun, and you may keep your infant in the sun longer than they ought to be.

The last concern I'll discuss is dehydration. Infants should not be given water for hydration. Breastmilk and formula provide an infant with sufficient hydration, and free water given to an infant can lead to electrolyte imbalances and possible water intoxication. Watch for a normal amount of wet diapers, and if you child is out in the sun be sure to offer plenty of breastmilk or formula.