Ellenton Pediatrics

06/07/2026

Alexander Zverev was diagnosed with diabetes at just 4 years old, yet he never let it define or limit his future. Today, he is a Grand Slam champion and the founder of a foundation that supports children living with diabetes around the world.
His journey stands as a powerful reminder that even in the face of lifelong health challenges, determination, discipline, and heart can lead to extraordinary success.
A true inspiration for children and families navigating diabetes and other chronic conditions—showing that no obstacle is too great when resilience leads the way.

Zverev was diagnosed with diabetes at just 4 years old and runs a foundation that supports diabetic children around the world.

Today, he is a Grand Slam champion and an inspiration to anyone facing adversity.

A powerful reminder that no obstacle is too great with determination and heart.

06/07/2026

Have you been to Big Cat Habitat in Sarasota?
Such a fun, up-close experience—animals are clean, well cared for, and often right at the viewing areas, making the whole visit feel very interactive and engaging. Marmosets, monkeys, bears and macaws all add to the variety, with surprises at every turn.
There’s also a petting zoo and pony rides, and some supervised tiger and bear-feeding opportunities for the kids.
The volunteer staff are incredibly kind, knowledgeable, and happy to share and answer questions.
It’s the kind of place that, at any age, naturally pulls you away from screens, out of routine, and into curiosity, wonder, and real connection with animals.
Highly recommended by empty-nester pediatricians who still believe in fresh air and real-life experiences. 🐾 ☺️
More info here: https://bigcathabitat.org

06/05/2026

Hand Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a nuisance—ugly, dramatic, and always perfectly timed to upend a household’s peace.
Just when you think you’ve finally seen the last of it—the fever is gone and the spots are fading—HFMD sometimes has one final encore.
About 1–3 weeks later, the skin can start peeling, especially on the hands and feet, as if your child is going through a “snake skin” phase. This is called desquamation, and it simply reflects the skin healing and replacing the outer layer that was affected during the illness.
In more significant cases, the drama can extend to the nails as well. They may become loose or shed temporarily (onychomadesis). It can look alarming—especially when several nails are involved—but they almost always grow back normally over time.
The key reassurance: this stage is not a sign of ongoing infection or contagiousness. It’s just the body finishing its repair work… in its own very theatrical way.

06/04/2026

If only we had a magic wand for molluscum contagiosum. 🪄
These pesky little bumps are one of those childhood nuisances that can hang around far longer than anyone would like. While treatments are available, they can be uncomfortable and sometimes leave scars or changes in skin color. In many cases, the best approach is simply giving the immune system time to do its job. The good news? Molluscum contagiosum is usually harmless and will eventually go away on its own.

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/skin/Pages/Molluscum-Contagiosum.aspx

06/04/2026

Disciplining teens doesn't have to turn into a battle. When emotions run high, how we respond matters just as much as the behavior we're addressing. These 5 practical strategies can help parents maintain boundaries while preserving connection and respect:
1. Don’t match their energy.
2. Correct the behavior, not their character.
3. Refuse the power struggle.
4. Get curious after the room calms down.
5. Repair and reinforce the boundary.

06/01/2026

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06/01/2026

Big news in diabetes care: the FDA has approved inhaled insulin for children ages 6 and up—offering a needle-free option for managing diabetes.
This is a meaningful step forward for families who know the daily challenge of injections, finger sticks, and constant planning around meals and blood sugars. While not replacing all forms of insulin therapy, it adds another tool that may help make diabetes management a little less painful and a little more flexible for kids and teens.

Afrezza is the first needle-free form of insulin FDA-approved for kids.

06/01/2026

For many girls with ADHD, the story often starts quietly—missed signs, misunderstood struggles, and a lifetime of being labeled as “daydreamy,” “sensitive,” “shy,” or “not trying hard enough.” This powerful piece sheds light on how ADHD can look different in girls, and why so many are overlooked until much later in life.
It’s a reminder that what we see on the surface in our office may only be part of the picture. Behind the smiles, the good grades, quiet behavior, or “well-behaved” presentation, there can be real challenges with attention, emotional regulation, and self-esteem that deserve to be recognized early and compassionately supported.
When we learn to see ADHD through a broader lens, we open the door to earlier identification, better support, and far more grace for the girls who have been quietly struggling for too long.

Are we neglecting our distracted daughters? Studies show that ADHD symptoms are not only commonly missed in girls, they are too often called laziness or d…

06/01/2026

We’re seeing a lot of Hand Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) right now, and it doesn’t always look the way parents expect.
✔️ Not every child has a fever
✔️ Rash may be limited to the hands, feet, and mouth—or can be more widespread
✔️ Children with eczema can develop a more extensive rash called eczema coxsackium, which can look especially inflamed or blistered (see pic 😔)
✔️ Some children may later develop peeling skin or temporary shedding of fingernails or toenails—this is expected and resolves with time
HFMD is usually mild in children. Hospitalization is most often due to dehydration from painful mouth sores; neurologic complications can occur but are extremely rare.
Return to school/daycare (AAP guidance):
Children may generally return when they are fever-free for 24 hours, feel well enough to participate, and are not having uncontrolled drooling. We will provide return-to-school notes for children seen in our office with HFMD who meet criteria, but individual schools and daycare centers may have their own exclusion policies.
We know this illness can be stressful for families, especially when the rash looks dramatic or symptoms vary from child to child. We’re here to help if you have concerns or questions.
More info here: https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/hfm.html

06/01/2026

Happy International Children’s Day! 🎉🎈❤️
Children have a remarkable gift for finding wonder in everyday moments. Their curiosity, imagination, and enthusiasm remind us to slow down, explore, and see the world through fresh eyes.
As pediatricians, we are fortunate to share in the journey of childhood—a time of growth, discovery, and endless potential. Caring for children is a daily reminder of how much there is to learn, celebrate, and hope for.
"The secret of genius is to carry the spirit of the child into old age, which means never losing your enthusiasm." — Aldous Huxley