DEFINITION Absence seizures involve brief, sudden lapses of consciousness. They’re more common in children than adults. Someone having an absence seizure may look like he or she is staring into space for a few seconds. This type of seizure usually…
DEFINITION At Mayo Clinic, we take the time to listen, to find answers and to provide you the best care. Learn more. Request an appointment. Cystic fibrosis is a life-threatening disorder that causes severe damage to the lungs and…
DEFINITION Growing pains are often described as an ache or throb in the legs — often in the front of the thighs, the calves or behind the knees. Growing pains tend to affect both legs and occur at night, and…
DEFINITION Food allergy is an immune system reaction that occurs soon after eating a certain food. Even a tiny amount of the allergy-causing food can trigger signs and symptoms such as digestive problems, hives or swollen airways. In some people,…
DEFINITION Infant reflux (sometimes called infant acid reflux) is the condition where the contents of the stomach are spit out, usually shortly after feeding. Spitting up (infant reflux) becomes less common as a baby gets older, and it’s unusual if…
DEFINITION Pyloric stenosis is an uncommon condition affecting the opening (pylorus) between the stomach and small intestine in infants. The pylorus is a muscular valve that holds food in the stomach until it is ready for the next stage in…
DEFINITION Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is a condition that makes your skin red and itchy. It’s common in children but can occur at any age. Atopic dermatitis is long lasting (chronic) and tends to flare periodically and then subside. It may…
DEFINITION Cradle cap, the common term for infantile seborrheic dermatitis, causes scaly patches on a baby’s scalp. Though cradle cap isn’t serious, it can cause thick crusting and white or yellow scales. Cradle cap usually resolves on its own…
DEFINITION Heat rash — also known as prickly heat and miliaria — isn’t just for babies. Heat rash affects adults, too, especially during hot, humid weather. Heat rash develops when blocked pores (sweat ducts) trap perspiration under your skin.…
DEFINITION Hives — also known as urticaria (ur-tih-KAR-e-uh) — is a skin reaction that causes itchy welts, which can range in size from small spots to large blotches several inches in diameter. Hives can be triggered by exposure to certain…
DEFINITION Impetigo (im-puh-TIE-go) is a highly contagious skin infection that mainly affects infants and children. Impetigo usually appears as red sores on the face, especially around a child’s nose and mouth. The sores burst and develop honey-colored crusts. Impetigo…
DEFINITION Parvovirus infection is a common and highly contagious childhood ailment — sometimes called slapped-cheek disease because of the distinctive face rash that develops. Parvovirus infection has also been known as fifth disease because, historically, it was one of five…