MBBS, DNB
Dr. Richard Mario Lurshay has around 11 years of experience in the care of children and their well-being. After completing his post-graduation in Pediatrics, he completed his training in Pediatric Nutrition from Boston University School of Medicine (USA).
He is an esteemed Life Member of National Academy of Medical Sciences (NAMS), National Neonatology Forum (NNF) and Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP).
Dr. Richard Lurshay currently practices in Fortis La Femme Hospital, Richmond Road, Bangalore, as an Attending Consultant.
He is known for his kindness to children, patient listening to parents, and judicious use of antibiotics. He is up-to date with the latest guidelines and is ethical in his diagnosis and treatment of children.
MomJunction believes in providing the most accurate content to its readers. Hence we get our articles reviewed by highly skilled experts in the relevant fields. The articles are reviewed to ensure their authenticity, factual correctness, and relevance. The board members also add inputs drawn from their years of experience. Learn more about our medical review board.
A bald spot while combing your child's hair can make you greatly worried and anxious. It may seem unusual, but baldness may develop in children, a condition known as pediatric alopecia. There are various causes of alopecia in children, with alopecia areata (AA) being the most common form. The following post addresses all the questions…
Your baby is a quarter away from their first birthday at nine months. A 9-month-old baby can crawl, but they may also stand with assistance. They have a lot of surprises in store for you, like for the first time calling you "mama" and "dada." Babies also go through various crucial changes that indicate their…
Although some lung cancer cases are noticed in young people, primary lung cancer in teens is rare. Smoking is the major risk factor for lung cancer, and the risk may vary depending on the duration of smoking and the number of cigarettes. Some teens may develop metastaticiXA progressive stage of cancer leading to the spread…
Skin abscess in children is a condition where a pocket of pus develops under the skin, causing a red, tender, and swollen boil. Abscesses form when the immune system tries to flush infection-causing germs, such as bacteria, from the body. Children are susceptible to developing an abscess where the skin is cut or broken. In…
Epsom salt possesses medicinal and therapeuticiXCuring a disease or disorder with medications and care. properties to help with muscle relaxation, pain relief, and mind and body rejuvenation. However, if you plan to try an Epsom salt bath for babies, you must ensure its safety and know about it for making the right decision. Epsom salt…
MiraLAX for kids is not often recommended since the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve its use due to a lack of clinical trials in children. However, some randomized control trials have shown it to be safe and effective for occasional pediatric use, so doctors may prescribe it to treat constipation in…
Sickle cell diseases in babies can be present from birth, and it is caused when a child inherits sickle cell genes from both parents. This inherited blood disorder makes the red blood cells (RBC or erythrocytes) crescent, sickle-shaped, or C-shaped. In addition, sickle cells can be stickier and harder than normal oval-shaped RBCs, and they…
Hair loss in teenage girls is not a common occurrence. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) states that losing about 50 to 100 strands of hair per day is a natural occurrence (1). However, it is not the same for teenagers. The most common causes for hair loss during teenage include genetic factors, underlying medical…
Arthritis in teens can cause swollen, painful, and stiff joints with loss of motion for more than six weeks in sequence. Doctors may diagnose juvenile idiopathic arthritis or juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in most teens with swollen and stiff joints with limited movement. These are autoimmune inflammatory conditions of the joints. In the US, around 300,000…
An immature digestive system or poor valve closure (pyloric sphincter) in the upper end of the stomach is responsible for your baby throwing up mucus or milk. While it is normal for babies to spit up occasionally, it may be a cause for concern if it happens quite often. However, many factors can cause it…
Hypotension or low blood pressure in children can be due to various reasons. This is when the systolic or top reading pressure goes below 90mmHg, and the diastolic pressure or the bottom reading is below 60mmHg (1). According to most pediatric care guidelines, these blood pressure measures are less than the 5th percentile for children…
Many parents worry when their baby does not gain weight as expected; however, it is important to understand that the growth rate among babies varies, as does their weight gain pattern. Healthy newborns lose around 5–10% of their weight within a week of birth (1). However, they regain this weight within two weeks. By 12…
Acid reflux in teens is common, and it occurs when the stomach contents come back or regurgitate into the esophagus. It is also called acid indigestion or gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and is more prevalent in children and teens between two and 19 years (1). A study conducted by researchers from Columbia University Irving Medical Center,…
Dengue fever in children is pretty common. It is a vector-borne disease caused by the dengue virus (DENV) that spreads through infected mosquitoes and is commonly seen in tropical and subtropical areas. Females of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are responsible for the transmission of dengue among humans. There are four types of dengue virus, so a…
Most healthy babies are born with well-developed ears, but they can’t hear properly at birth. So, when do babies start hearing after birth? Well, babies are born with a certain hearing ability that improves over several months to reach a level where the baby can hear clearly and gauge the range of sounds. During this…
It is soothing to watch babies doze and sleep peacefully. However, you may occasionally notice your baby sleeping with eyes open and wonder why it happens. It is common for some babies to sleep with completely or partially open eyes, which is called lagophthalmos in medical terms. Open-eyed sleeping in infants is physiologicaliXRelating to the…
You don’t have to miss out on adventures after your baby arrives. You simply need the right tips for traveling with a baby to gear up and be prepared. A fussy baby may be more difficult to handle while traveling. The heavy suitcases and bags full of souvenirs can make it difficult to look after…
Gastroenteritis, also known as the stomach flu, is caused due to an infection in the intestines. It may affect babies and toddlers, resulting in serious health problems. Stomach flu in toddlers may have several causative factors, but the common flu virus is not responsible for the infection (1). Read this post as we discuss stomach…
Babies are powerhouses of energy. Most parents wonder how to channelize the energies of their little ones. You may plan some outdoor activities for babies or take them on walks in nature. These short outings could help babies spend their energies so they do not become cranky and irritable. You may step out with your…
Toddlers throwing things is considered normal if this behavior does not become a pattern. Learning to throw is a developmental milestone that requires developed motor skills and good hand–eye coordination. However, if you notice that your child throws things to gain attention, consider discussing it with a professional to detect any underlying issues. It is…
Fontanelles (or fontanels) are gaps between the skull bones of a newborn. A normal fontanelle feels firm and is slightly curved inwards. A sunken fontanelle in babies may feel sunken or soft and is a cause for concern. Fontanelles are formed when two or more cranial bones (cranial bones or cranium refers to the bones…
Vicks VapoRub is a popular, topical medication commonly used to lessen the symptoms of a common cold or flu. While it is generally used in adults, parents could be unsure about using Vicks VapoRub for children. This ointmentiXA oily substance applied to the skin to soothe or treat wounds, rashes, burns, and scrapes is effective…
Dyspepsia or indigestion in children can be a symptom of several underlying conditions. Children of any age can experience this problem, and indigestion can be occasional or regular, depending on its cause. If your child has been experiencing regular indigestion, it is important to seek a doctor’s advice to understand the cause. Read on to…
Appendicitis in teens can be presented with abdominal pain that may often begin in the belly button and move toward the right lower quadrant of the abdomen. The appendix is a small, finger-like projection on the intestine at the beginning of the large intestine (colon), and its inflammation is called appendicitis. The research conducted by…
Genital herpes is a viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Although it is more frequent in adults, it is also possible to find cases of genital herpes in children. During an outbreak, the infection can produce painful and itchy sores in the genital area. After the initial infection, the herpes virus remains…
Hydronephrosis in babies is a condition where urine gets trapped in the kidney and drains slower than it should into the bladder. It is a common congenital condition and may affect one in 500 babies (1). However, it may also develop later in life for some babies. Further, it is more common in boys than…
Body odor in babies is distinctive, and they may often smell of baby products or milk. However, babies who are not bathed on time or wear unclean clothes can have a sour or pungent odor. Most mothers could sense their babies smelling and try to keep them clean. Some babies can even leave a cake…
Hypothermia is characterized by the body’s temperature dropping below the normal range. While it may occur in both adults and children, low temperature in babies can be a cause for concern because infants cannot maintain their body temperature. If prompt treatment is not provided, low body temperature may lead to complications (1). Read this post…
Baby lip blisters are common and usually resolve on their own. They are characterized by minute fluid-filled bumps on the baby’s lips and may not be visible when the lips are closed. Although a baby lip blister does not pose a threat, it is usually a subtle sign of latching problems. Identifying the underlying reason…
Many people ponder how to get rid of baby fat on face because it gives a chubby look with a broad face and puffy eyes. Fat on the face can be caused due to different reasons such as obesity or lack of sleep. Finding the cause behind the baby fat on your face can help…
Kajal, also called Surma or kohl, has been commonly used as an eye care product or cosmetic since ancient times in India, Pakistan, the Middle East, and some parts of Africa (1). But, while adults use it commonly to adorn their eyes or for health benefits, is it safe to use kajal on a baby’s…
Some parents may be concerned about the safety of using mineral oil for babies. Mineral oil, base oil, or lubricant base oil is a colorless and odorless substance obtained as a distillation product of crude petroleum oil. It comes in varying qualities and grades depending on the refining process. Cosmetic-grade mineral oil is used to…
Bronchiolitis in babies is a lung infection that might appear as a common cold at first, but the symptoms gradually indicate that it is more serious than a cold or viral fever. It causes a persistent cough, nasal congestion (blocked nose), and rhinorrhea (runny nose) in babies and may also cause the baby harder to…
Jaundice turns your baby yellow. His eyes, skin, and urine turn yellow, leaving you disturbed. Jaundice happens due to the surplus of the body compound called bilirubin. The condition has several biochemical origins and occurs in babies even a few days old. Treatment is essential and is quite readily available. In this MomJunction post, we…
Deep breathing, also known as belly breathing, abdominal breathing, or diaphragmatic breathing, may help promote respiratory health and reduce stress in children. It may also help strengthen the muscles involved in the respiration process (1). Seek medical advice to choose an appropriate breathing exercise if your child has any chronic illness. In this MomJunction post,…