Arbor Pediatrics provides high-quality, personalized medical care for infants, children, and adolescents in Southlake, TX.
Melissa Asgaonkar, MD
Melissa Asgaonkar, MD
We are excited to welcome a new provider to the Arbor Pediatrics team! Collin Naugher is a Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner who joins us from North Fort Worth, where he has been practicing pediatric primary care for the last eight years.
Swimmer’s ear and middle ear infections are different conditions, even though both can cause ear pain.
Swimmer’s ear is an infection of the outer ear canal and is often linked to trapped moisture after swimming. Symptoms may include pain when touching the ear, itching, redness, drainage, or discomfort with pulling on the ear.
Middle ear infections happen behind the eardrum and are usually related to viruses, colds, congestion, or pressure buildup.
Symptoms may include fever, ear pain, poor sleep, fussiness, congestion, or temporary hearing changes.
One common misconception is that swimming or getting water in the ears causes middle ear infections.
In reality, water exposure is typically associated with swimmer’s ear, not infections behind the eardrum.
To help prevent swimmer’s ear, dry ears well after swimming, and avoid inserting objects into the ear canal.
If your child has ongoing ear pain, drainage, fever, hearing concerns, or worsening symptoms, contact Arbor Pediatrics to schedule an appointment.
817-865-3564
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Reusable water bottles are great for hydration, but they can also collect mold, bacteria, and odors if they are not cleaned regularly. Straws, spouts, lids, and rubber seals are common places where buildup can hide, especially during the hot summer months.
Water bottles should be washed daily with warm soapy water and allowed to dry completely before reuse. Straw cleaners and small brushes can help clean hard-to-reach areas. If bottles are dishwasher safe, regular deep cleaning cycles may also help reduce buildup.
Strong odors, discoloration, visible mold, cracks, or damaged seals may be signs that it is time to replace the bottle.
If your family uses reusable water bottles regularly, now is a great time to check lids, straws, and cleaning routines before heading into another busy summer week.
817-865-3564
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Active children and teens can develop overuse injuries when the same muscles, bones, or joints are stressed repeatedly without enough time to rest and recover.
Common overuse injuries include shin splints, Sever disease (heel pain), Osgood-Schlatter disease (knee pain), stress injuries, and shoulder or elbow pain from repetitive motions.
Warning signs may include pain that keeps returning, limping, swelling, decreased performance, pain during or after activity, or complaints that worsen over time instead of improving.
Rest days are important for growing bodies. Children benefit from taking breaks from repetitive sports movements, getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, and gradually increasing activity levels instead of pushing through pain.
Proper footwear, stretching, strength training, cross-training, and listening to early symptoms can also help reduce injury risk.
If your child has ongoing pain, limping, swelling, or sports-related injuries that are not improving, contact Arbor Pediatrics to schedule an evaluation.
817-865-3564
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Many infants can enjoy short periods of swimming or water play once families feel comfortable, but safety and supervision are essential.
Babies can lose body heat quickly, so water that feels comfortable to adults may still be too cold for infants. If a baby begins shivering, develops blue lips, or seems uncomfortable, it is time to get out and warm up.
Swim diapers can help contain accidents but do not prevent leaks or protect against germs in the water, so frequent diaper checks are still important.
Sun protection is also important for infants. Shade, hats, lightweight protective clothing, and avoiding peak sun hours can help reduce sun exposure. For babies older than 6 months, sunscreen may also be used on exposed skin.
Most importantly, infants should always have close, hands-on supervision around any water, including pools, splash pads, bathtubs, and beaches.
If you have questions about water safety, sun protection, or swimming with your baby, call Arbor Pediatrics today for guidance before summer activities begin.
817-865-3564
arborpediatrics.com
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Pityriasis alba is a very common and usually harmless skin condition seen in children and teens. It often appears as lighter patches of skin, most commonly on the face, cheeks, arms, or upper body. The areas may look slightly dry or flaky and often become more noticeable during the summer when surrounding skin tans.
The exact cause is not fully understood, but it is commonly associated with dry or sensitive skin and mild eczema. It is not contagious and is not caused by poor hygiene.
Treatment typically focuses on moisturizing the skin and protecting it from sun exposure with sunscreen, since tanning can make the lighter areas stand out more. In some cases, providers may recommend mild medicated creams if irritation is present.
While pityriasis alba is usually harmless, persistent rashes, itching, spreading, or uncertainty about the diagnosis should be evaluated.
Have concerns with your child’s skin? Call today to schedule an appointment or send us a portal message.
817-865-3564
arborpediatrics.com
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Wishing all of our families a fun, safe, and relaxing holiday weekend.
Whether you are spending time at the beach, by the pool, grilling with family, or watching fireworks, a few simple precautions can help keep everyone safe.
Remember to stay hydrated, reapply sunscreen throughout the day, supervise children closely around water, and keep kids a safe distance from grills and fireworks. Sparklers and fireworks can cause serious burns, so adult supervision is important at all times.
If your child becomes ill or injured during the holiday weekend and you are unsure what level of care is needed, reach out to our office. We have a 24-7 nurses line ready to take your call.
817-865-3564
arborpediatrics.com
#arborpediatrics #southlaketexas #southlaketx