6 minute read
Deciphering breast rashes
The causes of a breast rash range from the harmless and annoying to the seriously sinister. Dr Mary Ling deciphers them. 1 Intertrigo Intertrigo is a fancy name for a rash under your breasts. It is caused by a combination of moisture, heat, lack of air circulation and friction between skin folds, and often accompanied by a fungal or bacterial infection. Common symptoms include a reddish-brown rash, raw, itchy or oozing skin and unpleasant odour. Self-care tips to prevent intertrigo include: Wash under y our breasts morning and night with a gentle soap or soap substitute. Dry the skin under your breasts thoroughly – try using hairdryer on a cool setting. Wear a supportive bra made from natural material such as cotton. Lose weight to limit skin against skin rubbing. 2 Breast Infection Mastitis is inflammation of the breast that occurs most often in breastfeeding mums, but can also occur in older women. Untreated mastitis can result in a breast abscess, which is a walled-off area of pus and bacteria in the breast. Common symptoms include pain, swelling, redness, warmth and fevers. 3 Other Rashes The skin on the breast is prone to many common non-cancerous rashes, including: Allergic reactions Skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis or psoriasis Shingles, which causes a painful rash that appears as a stripe of blisters. 4 Breast Cancer Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer more common in younger women. Unlike other breast cancers that form a lump, IBC spreads along and blocks the lymphatic vessels in the skin of the breast causing the breast to become red, swollen and tender (similar to an infection). The skin on the breast can also appear dimpled, like an orange peel. Paget’s disease of the nipple is another rare form of breast cancer that affects the nipple-areolar complex. Most people with Paget's disease also have a breast cancer somewhere else in the same breast, either an invasive cancer or preinvasive cancer known as ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). The main sign of Paget's disease is a change in the nipple and/or areola. Make an appointment with your doctor if your breast rash is persistent or accompanied by any of these signs.
Dr Mary Ling is a Breast and General Surgeon who consults at Gosford, Woy Woy and Kanwal.
& 02 4321 0302 www.drmaryling.com.au @drmaryling Sign up to Coastal Health News, a quarterly newsletter inspiring Coasties to make healthy normal. Use the camera on your phone to scan the QR code.
Enrolling Now for 2021 and Beyond
ET Australia Secondary College is an independent Year 7 to 10 high school which equips students with the literacy and numeracy skills to be successful in employment and/or future study by delivering the mainstream curriculum in a safe and supportive learning environment.
Now is the time to book your tour of the school for your child to attend ET Australia Secondary College in 2021.
With over 94% of graduates engaging in further studies or a career, you can be confident ET Australia Secondary College will equip your child with the skills to be successful in ongoing studies and employment.
Book your tour at: etaustralia.com/secondary-college Click on ‘Enrol Today’. The excursions, the tutoring, everything is included in the school fee.
New podcast for families
Are you preparing to send your little one off to big school soon? Do you have a tween-ager who is more interested in their device than in engaging with you? Perhaps you have questions about the use of technology in schools and the role it plays. Maybe you’ve noticed emotional and physical changes in your teenager recently and you’re not sure what to do. The new Let’s Ask Better Questions podcast series from Central Coast Grammar School aims to provide families in our local community, and beyond, with practical insights and advice. We’ve connected with families and experts in our community to find out the burning parental and educational questions, topics and issues facing us all in today’s fast paced and busy modern world.
Throughout 2020, we’ll answer your questions and help you cut through the noise, advice and information out there. We’ll get under the hood of some of the biggest issues facing young people today and go behind the scenes of life at home, at school and in the playground.
Leading experts and psychologists as well as teachers, parents and students will join together to have an open and honest conversation on the issues relevant to you. Plus, we’ll share links to resources and websites to help you further.
In the first three episodes of Let’s Ask Better Questions, we tackle school readiness, managing technology at home and school, and teenage wellbeing. Visit www.ccgs.nsw.edu.au/podcasts to download free episodes today or subscribe on iTunes.
EPISODE 1: Is there a right age to start school? A kindy mum, school psychologist and kindergarten teacher help you decide if your child is ready to start school. Simone, Ros and Tracey explore the importance of age, skill-set and emotional development in school readiness, as well as the do’s and don’ts when it comes to preparing your child to start Kindergarten.
EPISODE 2: Do school children have too much or too little technology? Experts in innovative learning and digital wellbeing give you practical tips and share where they stand on children’s access to and use of technology at school and at home, with practical tips for every parent out there. Gavin Summers and Dr Kristy Goodwin, who are also parents of school-aged children, are joined by a student as they delve deep into the complex impact of technology on our everyday lives.
EPISODE 3: Teenage Anxiety – Catchphrase Or Crisis? School wellbeing leaders and students open up about what teenage anxiety looks like for girls and boys, what signs to look out for and where to go for help. Psychologist Dr Kylie McIntyre is joined by teachers and students who share their experience and advice.
Clare Marcangelo CHILDREN’S NUTRITIONIST Caring, practical treatment plans for your family. Specialising in childhood behavioural issues, learning and anxiety. Working with families for over 20 years
COVERED BY MOST PRIVATE HEALTH FUNDS Phone 0404 795 677 to book or go to www.erinanutrition.com.au FOR MORE INFORMATION ATMS29747 ABN 89456352713
NDIS Registered
Personal Care, Social Support, Transport, Respite, Cleaning, Yard Maintenance & Group Outings. One of our qualified team will meet with you and create a service that caters specifically to your needs. disABILITY SUPPORT 2U Servicing the Central Coast
Celebrating TWO YEARS OF SERVICE TO OUR COMMUNITY Wait list open call us on 4384 9000 to book a tour Celebrating ARS OF SERVICE COMMUNITY it list open call us on 384 9000
k a tour A community focused on happiness, education and belonging. A place to shine
A place to shine A community focused on happiness, education and belonging. A community focused on happiness, education longing. Currently enrolling for 2020 Call us on 4384 9000 to book a tour.
1 Reads Road, Wamberal /alkiraearlylearningcentrewamberal www.alkiraelc.com.au 1 Reads Road, Wamberal A place to shine Open from 6:30am to 6pm Monday to Friday Catering for Children aged 0– 6
Alkira_elc
www.alkiraelc.com.au
Alkira_elc
