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Cataracts in Children What are cataracts in children? A cataract is a clouding of the eye's lens. The lens is normally clear (transparent). Cataracts keep light rays from passing through the lens and focusing on the retina. The retina is the thin layer of nerve tissue that lines

Diamond Blackfan Anemia (DBA) in Children What is DBA in children? Diamond Blackfan anemia (DBA) is a rare blood disorder. Children with DBA don't make enough red blood cells. These cells carry oxygen to all other cells in the body. Blood cells are made in the bone marrow, the

Vascular Malformations and Hemangiomas What are hemangiomas and vascular malformations? Hemangiomas Hemangiomas are growths of blood vessels. They’re also called birthmarks. But they often can't be seen at birth. They usually form in the first few weeks of life. These growths

Rheumatic Fever What is rheumatic fever? Rheumatic fever is a complex disease that affects the joints, skin, heart, blood vessels, and brain. It occurs mainly in children between the ages of 5 to 15. It's an autoimmune disease that occurs after an infection with strep

Herpes Simplex Virus (Cold Sores) in Children What are cold sores in children? Cold sores are small blisters around the mouth caused by the herpes simplex virus. They are sometimes called fever blisters. What causes cold sores in a child? The most common cause of cold sores is

Chickenpox What is chickenpox? Chickenpox is a common childhood disease. It causes an itchy, blistering rash and is easily spread to others. Until the varicella vaccine for chickenpox became available in 1995, chickenpox infection was very common. Almost everyone had been

Occupational Lung Diseases What are work-related lung diseases? Work-related lung diseases are lung problems that are caused by certain work environments. They are caused by breathing materials into the lungs. These lung diseases may have lasting effects, even after the exposure

Common Discomforts During Pregnancy Symptoms of discomfort due to pregnancy vary from person to person. Below are some common discomforts. But each parent-to-be may have different symptoms or none at all: Nausea and vomiting. About half of all pregnant people have nausea and

Multiple Sclerosis and Pregnancy What is multiple sclerosis? Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease of the central nervous system, which is made up of the brain and spinal cord. MS is unpredictable. The symptoms of MS can range from mild to disabling, such as losing the

Psoriatic Arthritis in Children What is psoriatic arthritis in children? Psoriatic arthritis is a rare form of arthritis, or joint inflammation, that affects the skin and joints. It's an ongoing (chronic) autoimmune condition. It causes a red, scaly, itchy rash. It also causes