Articles In This Section
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Warts
Many of us have had a wart somewhere on our bodies at some time. But other than being a nuisance, most warts are harmless.
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Vitiligo
While vitiligo might make kids self-conscious, this skin condition is not medically dangerous. Kids with vitiligo are as healthy as other kids.
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Toxic Shock Syndrome
Toxic shock syndrome is a serious but uncommon bacterial infection. TSS is a medical emergency - symptoms include sudden high fever, a faint feeling, diarrhea, headache, and muscle aches.
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Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Rocky Mountain spotted fever is an infection spread by ticks. Find out more about it - including how to prevent it.
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Impetigo
Impetigo is a contagious skin infection that causes blisters or sores on the face, neck, hands, and diaper area. Learn how this common problem is treated and what can help prevent it.
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Measles
Measles is best known for the skin rash it causes. Although rare, outbreaks can happen. Getting your kids fully vaccinated is the best way to protect them from this disease.
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Molluscum Contagiosum
Molluscum contagiosum is a common viral skin infection. For most children, the rash isn't a big deal and goes away on its own over time.
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Paronychia
Paronychia is an infection of the skin around a fingernail or toenail. Most of the time, it's not serious and can be treated at home. Learn what causes it, what to do, and how to prevent it.
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Pilonidal Cyst
A pilonidal cyst is a fluid-filled sac under the skin in the lower back, near the crease of the buttocks.
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Pityriasis Rosea
This harmless rash often forms a telltale "Christmas tree" pattern on the back that makes it easy to identify.
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Roseola
Roseola is a viral illness that can affect kids between 6 months and 3 years old. Learn its signs and symptoms when to call the doctor.
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Rubella (German Measles)
Rubella infection, or German measles, usually is a mild disease in kids that can be prevented with vaccination. Its primary medical danger is to pregnant women because it can affect developing babies.
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Scabies
Scabies is an infestation that affects the skin, and is caused by a mite that burrows into the top layer of skin. It causes itching and bumps or blisters.
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Scarlet Fever
Scarlet fever is an illness caused by a strep infection. It causes a red, bumpy rash that spreads over most of the body, and is treated with antibiotics.
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Skin Abscesses
An abscess is a sign of an infection, usually on the skin. Find out what to do if your child develops one.
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Fifth Disease
Fifth disease is a viral illness that causes a red rash on the face, body, arms, and legs. It's especially common in kids ages of 5 to 15.
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Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFM) is a common viral infection that causes painful red blisters in the mouth and throat, and on the hands, feet, and diaper area.
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Group A Strep Infections
Group A strep (GAS) bacteria usually live harmlessly on the skin and in the nose and throat. Sometimes they cause mild skin or throat infections, but can cause more serious infections or problems in other parts of the body.
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Erythema Multiforme
By the looks of the "bulls-eye" marks this rash leaves on the skin, you might think it's cause for concern. But erythema multiforme clears up on its own within a few weeks.
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Dandruff
Got flakes? Most cases of dandruff don't require a visit to a doctor's office. Treat them at home with special, over-the-counter dandruff shampoos.
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Cradle Cap (Seborrheic Dermatitis) in Infants
This harmless condition - the infant form of dandruff - causes rough, scaly patches on a baby's skin.
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Cold Sores
Cold sores are small and painful blisters that appear around the mouth, face, or nose. They're very common and, while uncomfortable, usually go away on their own.
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Chickenpox
Chickenpox used to be common in kids, causing a very itchy red rash all over the body. But the good news is that a vaccine can prevent most cases.
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Cellulitis
Cellulitis is an infection of the skin and underlying tissues that can affect any area of the body. It begins in an area of broken skin, like a cut or scratch.
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Genital Herpes
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that's usually caused by the herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2).
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Tinea Versicolor
Tinea versicolor is a rash caused by a fungus. It can appear over the chest, shoulders, and back, and is a common cause of skin rashes in teens.
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Infections That Pets Can Spread
Kids can benefit from the companionship, affection, and relationships they share with pets. But it's important to know how to protect your family from infections carried by pets and other animals.
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Oral Thrush
Oral thrush, a very common infection in infants that causes irritation in and around the baby's mouth, often goes away on its own without medical treatment.
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Wound Healing and Care
How well a wound heals depends on where it is on the body and what caused it. Good home care is an important part of healing.
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Acanthosis Nigricans
Acanthosis nigricans (AN) is a condition that causes the skin to thicken and darken in places. AN is not harmful or contagious, but can be a sign of certain other medical conditions.
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Vaginitis in Children
Vaginitis is redness, soreness, or swelling in and around the vagina. It's common in girls of all ages, and usually can be treated at home.
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Lyme Disease
Lyme disease can affect the skin, joints, nervous system, and other organ systems. If Lyme disease is diagnosed quickly and treated with antibiotics, most people feel better quickly.
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Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)
Eczema can be an itchy nuisance and cause scratching that makes the problem worse. Many kids who have eczema today will be over it by the time they're teens.
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Inflammation
Inflammation is one way the body reacts to infection, injury, or other medical conditions. Many things can cause it.
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Hives (Urticaria)
Has your child broken out in welts? It could be a case of the hives. Learn how to soothe itchy bumps and help your child feel better.