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Acne What is acne? Acne is a disorder of the hair follicles and oil glands (sebaceous glands). The oil glands secrete oils (sebum) to keep the skin moist. When the glands get clogged, it can lead to pimples and cysts. Acne is very common. People of all races and ages have acne

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis What is juvenile idiopathic arthritis? Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a form of arthritis in children. Arthritis causes joint swelling (inflammation) and joint stiffness. JIA is arthritis that affects 1 or more joints for at least 6 weeks in

Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) What is PDA? Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a heart defect found in the days or weeks after birth. The ductus arteriosus is a normal blood vessel that's part of fetal blood circulation before a baby is born. It’s an extra blood vessel that

Hemophilia What is hemophilia? Hemophilia is an inherited bleeding disorder. People with hemophilia bleed easily because they don’t have enough of one of the clotting factors in their blood. Clotting factors are needed for blood to clot. Blood clots to prevent excessive bleeding

Metabolic Syndrome What is metabolic syndrome? Metabolic syndrome is when you have 3 or more health problems that put you at higher risk for diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. It is also known as insulin resistance syndrome. It’s also called syndrome X. If you have metabolic

Kidney Failure What is kidney failure? Kidney failure happens when damage results in loss of normal kidney function. There are 2 types of kidney failure—acute and chronic. Acute kidney failure starts abruptly. It can sometimes be reversed. Chronic kidney failure progresses slowly

Lupus What is lupus? Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus) is an autoimmune disease that causes your body’s immune system to attack its own cells and tissues. It causes episodes of inflammation to various parts of the body. It can affect your joints, tendons, and skin. It

Depression What is depression? Depression is a whole-body illness. It involves the body, mood, and thoughts. Depression affects the way you eat and sleep. It also can affect the way you feel about yourself, the people around you, and other things. It's not the same as being

Epilepsy and Seizures in Children What is epilepsy in children? Epilepsy is a brain condition that causes a child to have recurring seizures over time. These seizures can't be linked to a short-term (acute) illness such as an infection, or a short-term injury such as a brain

Anorectal Malformation in Children What is an anorectal malformation in children? Anorectal malformations are birth defects, or problems that happen as an unborn baby is developing during pregnancy. With this defect, the anus and rectum don’t develop properly. They are the lower