Health Information

Big Head, Thin Body (Marasmus)

If a child looks dry it does not mean that child is cursed or a witch— it means they are not eating well.

symptoms

The child will look small like they are not growing — even though they are old enough to be bigger.
The child's head will look bigger than their body.
The chest will look flat like paper.
The belly will look sunken, like a hole — you will see the bones because the body is very dry.
The skin will be dry and wrinkled — like the skin of an old person.
The child will be dull — they will not play or smile like before.
The cry will be weak and low, like there is no strength to cry. It won't be loud as it should because the body is very weak.
They may cry for food all the time, or sometimes not even want to eat at all.
Their eyes will look big and dry, like they are sinking in. The face will not look fresh anymore.
The hair may turn brown or start falling off like an old broom.

causes

It happens when a child does not eat enough food — especially food that gives energy or add enough fat (weight) to the body.
It can happen when the mother does not give breast milk well or stops breastfeeding too early.
A child can get it when they have another disease. When a child is sick, they often don’t want to eat.
It can happen when the child is only fed watery pap that has no nutrients inside.

effects

It can kill the child if not treated.
It will not allow the child to grow well — the legs and hands will not be strong.
The child will be slow to walk, talk, or even sit.
It can cause brain problems — the child may not learn quickly.
If the child catches any small disease, the body will not be strong enough to fight it.
The skin can get wounds easily, and the wounds will take time to heal.

prevention

lifestyle

Give the baby only breast milk for the first 6 months after birth — do not give water or pap along with it.
After 6 months, start adding good food to the breast milk — like very soft beans, egg, soft sweet potato, fish, or light pap.
Feed the child at least 3 to 5 times a day — the child’s small stomach can’t take a lot at once, so give small portions often.
Treat disease quickly — do not wait until the child becomes too weak.
Boil drinking water before giving it to the child.
Wash your hands before feeding the child so they don’t eat germs from your hands.

foods to eat (to give weight and energy)

Boiled egg (mashed).
Mashed beans with a little red oil.
Pap with crayfish or blended groundnut mixed with water.
Sweet, ripe pawpaw.
Mashed sweet potato.
Ripe banana.
Light fish soup.
Okro soup.
Ugu soup.
Ewedu with a little oil.
Mashed ripe plantain.
Moi moi.
Soft yam.
Oat pap.
Mashed boiled corn.
Mashed rice with ugu or scent leaf and a little crayfish.
Avocado pear.
Soya pap (akamu).
Milk, if available.
Plenty of water (give little by little, don’t rush).

comment

If a child looks dry it does not mean that child is cursed or a witch— it means they are not eating well.
Do not be ashamed — take the child to the hospital for help.
Make sure the child eats food every day that helps build the body — don’t just give pap and leave.
If you start seeing bones in the child’s chest and the belly is flat like paper — don’t wait. Act fast. Follow all the steps mentioned here.

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Important Medical Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment of any medical condition.