Costochondritis is a common cause of chest pain in children.  It involves irritation at the connection point of the front ribs and the breast plate.  The pain may be dull or sharp but often worsens with movement of the chest wall or deep breathing.  The pain returns when an examiner presses on the rib-sternum connection points.  Here, cartilage may be injured by excess or new physical activity.  The pain may persist for several days or longer because of frequent movement of the chest wall (i.e., bending over, carrying a heavy backpack, sports activity, etc.).  Costochondritis often causes unnecessary anxiety due to a fear of a cardiac cause of chest pain.  Chest pain in children is rarely caused by the heart.  The treatment for costochondritis involves anti-inflammatory medications (i.e., ibuprofen) and reassurance.  Most cases will resolve with rest and time.

Adenovirus is a very common infection in children. Most parents are unaware that their child has this specific virus because the symptoms often look like the common cold. Adenovirus infections come in three basic categories: respiratory disease, gastrointestinal disease, and conjunctivitis.  Most children have been affected by adenovirus prior to the age of 10 years. In fact, almost 5% of childhood colds are caused by this virus. Outbreaks may occur in winter and spring or when children collect in groups such as day care.  In most cases, a specific test for adenovirus is not performed and the symptoms are treated as needed. Most children recover from adenovirus infection without complications.

Lip-licker dermatitis is a rash that occurs around the mouth in response to chronic lip licking. This may be associated with chapped lips and the irritation often makes the child more likely to continue moistening the lips with saliva. It is not felt to be due to any specific component of saliva.  It is a type of so-called "contact dermatitis," because it is caused by direct irritation of saliva. Severe irritation may lead to cracking of the skin and development of a secondary bacterial infection. This type of rash is sometimes difficult to treat because of persistent lip licking.  Treatment involves frequent application of a petroleum jelly or wax-based chap stick multiple times daily. For some children lip licking may be more of a nervous tic then a means of moistening dry lips.  For these children gentle reminders and time usually lead to resolution of the behavior.