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Atopic Dermatitis What is atopic dermatitis? Atopic dermatitis is a long-term (chronic) skin disorder. It causes dry, itchy, scaly patches. These are often on the face and the head in babies. It’s most common in infants or very young children. Most will show signs of the

Skin Self-Exam Skin cancer can be treated with more success if it’s found early. The way to find skin cancer early is with regular skin exams. This means having a healthcare provider check your skin. And it also means checking your skin at home regularly. Getting regular skin

When to Call for Help Anytime you're not comfortable with a medical situation, call 911 or your local emergency number, go to an emergency room, or call your doctor. When to get help right away The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) says that these conditions need

The First Trimester The first prenatal visit The first prenatal visit is the most thorough. A healthcare provider asks the parent-to-be about their health history and does a physical exam. Certain tests and procedures are also done to check the initial health of the parent and

Sickle Cell Disease in Children What is sickle cell disease in children? Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a blood disorder that a child is born with. It's passed down through a parent’s genes. Children with SCD make an abnormal type of hemoglobin. This is the protein in red blood

Anencephaly in Children What is anencephaly in children? Anencephaly is a condition that is present at birth (birth defect). It affects the brain and skull bones. With this condition, the brain isn't fully formed. It often lacks part or all of the cerebrum. The cerebrum is the

Preventing Obesity in Children, Teens, and Adults Facts about obesity Obesity is a long-term (chronic) disease. It affects growing numbers of children, teens, and adults. Obesity rates among children in the U.S. have doubled since 1980. They have tripled for teens. About 19 out

Overview of Craniofacial Anomalies What are craniofacial anomalies? Craniofacial anomalies (CFA) are a variety of deformities in the growth of the head and facial bones. Anomaly is a medical term meaning different from normal. These abnormalities are present at birth (congenital)

Common Liver Tests What are some common liver tests? A series of blood tests can often find out if the liver is inflamed, injured, or working normally. The pattern of abnormalities can point to hepatitis (infection or inflammation of the liver) versus cholestasis (problems with

Hypothyroidism and Pregnancy Facts about hypothyroidism and pregnancy Hypothyroidism is a condition that is caused by an underactive thyroid gland. It may happen during pregnancy. Many symptoms of the condition are similar to pregnancy symptoms. For example, they can both cause