Is That Blue Vein Across Your Child's Nose a Sugar Bug?

Have you ever noticed a prominent blue vein across your child’s nose?

Maybe you thought it was no big deal. Maybe you heard something about it that made you worry.

Here are 4 facts about sugar bugs that you should know:

1.Prominent veins are common in the newborn, infancy and childhood period. They can occur on the face, hands/feet, trunk and extremities (basically all over). If you look closely enough in all babies, you’ll find some veins that are more noticeable than others.

2.One suggested link with sugar bugs has been an association with mutations in a gene known as MTHFR. MTHFR mutations are common, approximately 50 percent of the population carries some type of mutation. The significance of MTHFR mutations is still unclear but no studies link the presence of sugar bugs to these mutations. You can read more about MTHFR mutations and there significance here: A Pediatrician Goes In-depth into MTHFR.

3.While it has been speculated by practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine that sugar bugs might suggest a syndrome (known as Kanmushi) where children show a voracious appetite and severe sensitivity to sugar, I find no evidence that support this is a true connection.

4.Proponents of Kanmushi suggest that you limit your child’s sugar intake, provide a structured environment and opportunities for physical activity. Obviously, these are great ideas for all children.

So, should you be worried about your child’s sugar bug?

It’s always possible that further information could surface, but given current theories and information, I would say that any connection to a more serious issue is unfounded and not a concern.

Learn more about Kanmushi by clicking here.