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The Child's Immune System What is the immune system? The immune system protects your child's body from outside invaders. This includes germs, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi, and toxins (chemicals made by microbes). The immune system is made up of different organs, cells

Evaluation Procedures for Orthopedic Problems What are standard evaluation procedures? Before a treatment or rehabilitation plan can be made, your orthopedist must first find what is causing your condition. This typically involves a physical exam and a review of your health

Puncture Wounds in Children What is a puncture wound? A puncture wound is a deep wound made by a sharp object, such as a nail or a jagged piece of metal or wood. Puncture wounds may be small and not seem serious. But they do need to be treated by a healthcare provider. Puncture

Ketogenic Diet for Seizures in Children A ketogenic diet is a special type of diet that causes the body to make ketones. The diet is very high in fat, and very low in carbohydrates. It includes enough protein to help your child grow. Why the diet is used The diet is sometimes

Benign Skin Growths in Children What are benign skin growths? Children may have many types of skin growths. The vast majority of growths in children are benign. This means they are not cancer. Growths may be caused by genetics, injuries, sun exposure, or other reasons. What are

Skin Pigment Disorders What are skin pigment disorders? Skin color is determined by a pigment (melanin) made by specialized cells in the skin (melanocytes). The amount and type of melanin determines a person's skin color. What is the function of melanin? Melanin's role is to

Dental Sealants What are dental sealants? Dental sealants are thin, plastic coatings that are bonded to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars and premolars). Sealants are very good at preventing tooth decay (cavities). They work very well on the back teeth. These teeth

Birthmarks What are birthmarks? Birthmarks are areas of discolored or raised skin that are seen at birth or within a few weeks of birth. Birthmarks may be made up of malformed pigment cells or blood vessels. Medical experts don’t know what causes birthmarks. But most of them are

Understanding Your Child's Lymphatic System What is the lymphatic system? The lymphatic system is a part of the body’s immune system. It works to fight disease and infection. The lymphatic system goes through many changes during a child's growth. Before birth, a baby is protected

Polycystic Kidney Disease What is polycystic kidney disease (PKD)? Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a rare genetic disorder. It causes many cysts filled with fluid to grow in the kidneys. PKD cysts can impair how the kidneys work. It can lead to kidney failure. PKD is the