Home Care:

There is usually no home care needed for a short philtrum. However, if this is only one symptom of another disorder, follow your doctor's instructions on how to care for the condition.

Call your health care provider if:

Call your health care provider if you notice a short philtrum on your child.

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

An infant with a short philtrum may have other symptoms and signs that, when taken together, define a specific syndrome or condition. The doctor will diagnose that condition based on a family history, medical history, and physical exam.

Medical history questions may include:

• Did you notice this when the child was born?
• Have any other family members had this feature?
• Have any other family members been diagnosed with a disorder associated with a short philtrum?
• What other symptoms are present?

Tests to diagnose a short philtrum:

• Chromosome studies
• Enzyme tests
• Metabolic studies on both mother and infant
• X-rays

If your health care provider diagnosed a short philtrum, you may want to note that diagnosis in your personal medical record.