My toddler looks thin and sick but he is healthy. My relatives are constantly pestering me to force him to eat more than his appetite demands. They are also pressuring me to introduce him to a diet that will increase his weight. Please advise. — Kamala Mou, Delhi

Most people like chubby babies. But you need to make decisions based on his health, growth and development. If he is healthy and somewhere close to the standard weight expected for his age and height, no intervention is necessary. You don’t have to force him to eat more than his current diet. Overeating at this stage can lead to obesity and other problems in future.

My two-year-old daughter has eosinophilia and often comes down with a cold. How can I boost her immunity? I am very worried as she is very young and I would like to avoid heavy doses of medicine. — Mallika Mani, Madurai

Eosinophilia is a condition when there is increased number of eosinophils — a type of white blood cell which fights infections — in the tissues and/or blood. In your daughter’s case, eosinophilia is probably because of an allergic reaction. The allergen should be identified for further treatment. A healthy diet and unpolluted, clean living environment will ease the aggravation. Also, antihistamines can help in certain situations.

My seven-year-old has itching in her buttocks and genital area. She keeps scratching until it bleeds. Should I consult a dermatologist or use soothing creams and gels to see if it will heal on its own? — Bamini Chandran, Hyderabad

This could be enterobiasis pin worm infestation and is contagious, especially due to unhygienic bathroom practices. The entire family should deworm and clip fingernails and toe nails. It is vital for all of you to practice clean bathroom etiquette, mainly washing hands with soap after using the toilet, and keeping it clean always.

My daughter had white patches on her eyes when she was a toddler. Now she is nine years old and has been asked to wear spectacles. Is there any co-relation between that condition and her current eye health? How can we improve her ocular power? — Gladis Praveen, Mumbai

The problem requires examination and diagnosis of an ophthalmologist. There is no relationship between the patches and her refractive error. Her eye vision power can be controlled if she wears spectacles with the right prescription regularly. (Dr. Kuruvilla Thomas is consultant paediatrician, Sundaram Medical Foundation, Chennai)