Meningitis is the medical term for an inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection in most cases, but some medications and complications from illnesses also cause...
Ascorbic acid, better known as vitamin C, has a variety of different roles in the body. Vitamins are compounds that the body needs in small amounts to function properly. The main role of vitamins is to help special proteins, known as enzymes,...
Elevated liver enzymes are the result of inflamed or injured liver cells, which may indicate a temporary condition or a chronic disorder. The most common liver enzymes on blood tests are ALT, or alanine transaminase, and AST, or aspartate...
Finding a rash on a toddler can be unsettling. One minute the child's skin is smooth and clear, and the next it's red and raw. A few things can cause rashes like this. With such new, sensitive skin, toddlers are prone to allergic reactions from a...
Lymphocytic leukemia is a form of cancer that affects a specific type of cell--called a lymphocyte--which is involved in the generation of immune cells in the body. There are two different types of lymphocytic leukemia: acute, which is...
Bleeding under the skin can occur in a variety of ways, forming either tiny red dots called petechiae or larger flat areas that turn purple, called purpura. When bleeding under the skin is excessive, the large area of bruised skin is called an...
Hemophilia is a disease in which the body does not manufacture enough of the component within blood that enables clotting. Since hemophilia is a genetic disease, its presence is obvious from early on. Sharp baby teeth may cut into gums and cause...
Having a baby brings many questions and concerns. Knowing what to worry about and when to take action can help you feel more confident and better able to enjoy time with your baby. For instance, rashes on your baby's thighs are common and rarely...
Meningitis is a serious infection that can be caused by bacteria or viruses. Meningitis affects the meninges, the lining of the spinal cord and brain, and the cerebrospinal fluid that surrounds them. Meningitis can be difficult to diagnose in...
Because children's developing immune systems often are exposed to new irritants, rashes are a common occurrence throughout childhood, according to AskDr.Sears.com. Although rashes generally do not necessitate a trip to the emergency room or a...
Drug-induced thrombocytopenia results from an immune reaction that causes the destruction of platelets or from the suppression of platelet production in the bone marrow, the Mayo Clinic states. Platelets help blood clot by clumping together and...
Thrombocytopenia, the medical term for a low blood platelet count, occurs when blood platelets die faster than they're reproduced. According to the Mayo Clinic, a healthy count ranges between 150,000 and 450,000 platelets for every microliter of...
When the body fails to produce adequate new blood cells, the resulting condition is called aplastic anemia. The Mayo Clinic explains this is a rare and serious condition that can affect people at any age. Generally, younger people are more likely...
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that affects connective tissue, causing inflammation in joints, tissues and organs. SLE causes visible skin changes that are one of the most recognized manifestations of the disease....
A low-grade fever of less than 102 degrees Fahrenheit is common in children and may be caused by a variety of ailments. About 10 percent of viruses will have a rash accompanying a fever, according to the Palo Alto Medical Foundation, and are not...
You notice a red rash or scaly skin on your child's body and wonder if it is a cause for concern. Although most rashes do not require serious medical attention, diagnosing your child's rash can help you to determine a course of treatment. Most...
High fevers accompanied by rashes can affect both infants and toddlers. These signs are often indicative of childhood infectious diseases, which can be as common and recognizable as a viral syndrome, or as severe as bacterial meningitis. The type...
The main job of platelets is to make blood sticky so that it can form clots. This is important when you are injured so that you do not bleed to death. When you bleed, platelets swarm to the area and attempt to stop the blood flow. This in turn...
Blood vessels, including arteries, veins and capillaries, are tubes that conduct blood throughout your body. Activities such as strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, nose blowing and sexual intercourse can put excessive pressure on the circulatory...
Rashes are common skin eruptions that occur in children of all ages. Most rashes in children are benign, but there are some that require prompt medical attention. Rashes are described by their location, color, size, whether they are flat or raised...
Meningitis, the inflammation of the membranes (known as meninges) that surround the brain and spinal cord, is most commonly caused by a viral or bacterial infection. On rare occasions, meningitis may also be caused by fungal or amoebic...
Taking an excess of vitamins won't cause freckles. Freckles come from melanin production in your skin. Some melanocytes -- cells that produce pigment -- produce more melanin, which darkens your skin, than others. Freckles, small areas of...
The sudden appearance of red pinpoint bumps on the surface of the skin can be alarming and disturbing. They may crop up anywhere on the body, including the face, stomach, legs, feet and chest. These bumps can be a symptom of a serious medical...
A rash is an area of skin irritation. It can be localized to small area of the skin or cover the entire body. In children, generalized rashes are very common, but are also concerning as they can indicate a serious medical condition, especially if...
Rashes are a common occurrence in children. Although most are benign, they can cause significant discomfort to the child and stress to the parents. Children often get rashes after contact with an irritating object or food, after ingestion of food...
Red bumps can develop on the knees for a variety of reasons. These bumps can be painful, irritating and unpleasant in appearance. Although bumps on the knees are not typically cause for alarm, it is important for the sufferer to understand what...
Rashes in children, and especially new babies, can look alarming, but they are usually not serious. The key is knowing what to look for, so that you can tell the difference between normal baby rashes and a more serious condition. Most little kid...
