Skin issues to consider, Vit D, Melanoma, White patches, scalp issues

Being summer and more skin exposed and shorter hair, new braids, etc.... some skin issues may come up for our kids.  I just want to give some links and ideas about some of them.

1. Vit D.
Yes our kids need vitamin D. We all do. There are many schools of thought out there. I would say that it would be well worth your time to have your child's vit D levels checked and ask the doctor about a reasonable supplement. It is hard to get all we need just from sun. Various factors involved in that are ideas about the angle of the sun, where on the body or eyes is the most absorption, etc. Time in the sun, season, and much more. It gets complicated and even when we think we are getting sun exposure.... we end up deficient. If you are interested in this you can check out this article: Vitamin D Council.

2. Melanoma.
This goes with the vit D issue in that it is related to sunscreen, long sleeves, hats and sunglasses.... and sun exposure. While there are fewer cases of melanoma skin cancer in persons of African descent, there are fewer cases among them that have recovery stats. than those of European descent persons. So, block up.
You can read about that here: http://www.skincancerinfoline.com/skin-cancer-african-americans.html

3. Scalp issues:
OK, we know many of our kids come home with ring worm on the body and scalp. What we don't often consider is that sometimes a strep or staph infection can go along with that and persist even after the scalp ringworm is long gone, these occur when there has been scratching, lack of good hair hygiene, dirty conditions, impure water, etc. along with the tinea scalp fungus. This is usually seen in scaly patches that can be yellowish and may often ooze. Check it out: Strep follicultis, staph infections,

There is also a dermatitis of the scalp that can be seen and is itchy and annoying.  Another site that has good info on a variety of scalp issues is here at Health Hype. A whole web site dedicated to hair disease! Who knew.

4. White Patches on the face or body.
There are a lot of things that could cause this. Ring Worm, other fungus like Tinea versicolor, vitaligo or excema, or just regular old dry skin. If a great lotion or cream does not help your child then consider some of the other options. Check the links for more info. Another skin irritant causing white bumps on the skin is Psoriasis. Impetigo is a skin issue but also a hair follicle issue worth checking out. This is a great article that discusses many different skin irritants and is useful for ruling out or identifying possible irritants for the Dr. to check out.

Please post comments with more links and other ideas on these issues.
Thanks.

Free or low cost online seminars

I just wanted to let you all know about these free and low cost online seminars. You can find them here at Adoptions Together. 

These are just a few of the topics they offer and more are added periodically. Check them out for great information.

Free On-Demand Seminars

Ethnic Hair and Skin Care for the Transracially Adopted Child

Parenting You Can Feel Good About

The Importance of Being Your Child's Advocate in the School System

The Ecstasy and the Anxiety: Considering the Referral of a Child From Overseas

On-Demand Seminars (Nominal Fee)

Are We Having Fun Yet? Holidays, Vacations and Your Challenging Child

Complicated Children: Managing Their Behavior While Helping Them to Heal

Surviving the Stress of Parenting

Talking to Your Child About Adoption (Part I)

Talking to Your Child About Adoption (Part II)

How to Raise an Emotionally Intelligent Child

Sesame Street:Song: I Love My Hair

this is darling!!!!!

new blog for hair!

There is a new blog for hair care for girls! Go check out Marlies Hair! Cute. Great ideas and product suggestions.
http://marlieshair.blogspot.com/

Hair

Hair. For those of us who lack the luxury of those beautiful ebony locks......... caring for our children's blessed hair is often a challenge. Fortunately there are tons of resources out there to help us out. Glad someone has been there, done that!
Here are some of the resources I have come across. Please feel free to add yours in the comments section.

This web site has a ton of great useful ideas and more resource links!
Road to Ethiopia books  & posts
Happy Girl Hair
Happy Boy Hair on Happy Girl Hair page..... :) several posts!
I know there are YouTube videos on hair care and braiding too.
Tips for hair care on beauty buzz 
Loving Black Hair      TONS of links here
Using the right products 
More tips
Just Natural organic care
If you cut your son's hair short- http://www.brownskin.net/men.html
Same page as above click the children tap and find info on ring worm of the scalp. I was surprised to find it here.
http://www.komazacare.com/

See Products posts too