Head lice are tiny parasites that live on the human head and feed on blood from the scalp. They are common in children and spread as a result of head-to-head human contact, not through pets. Head lice are neither dangerous nor a sign of poor hygiene, and they do not spread any diseases. The main

Autism is a spectrum disorder that causes social and behavioral problems. There are three different levels of autism, which range from mild to severe. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about one in 59 children have autism. Signs of the condition are usually present at a young age, but occasionally people

Researchers have recently examined the link between mental health conditions and obesity in over 12,000 children and teenagers. The results show that obesity raises the risk of anxiety and depression, which is something that physicians and healthcare professionals should be “vigilant about.” Obesity raised anxiety and depression risk by 33% among young boys. According to

It is relatively common for newborns and older babies to have some dry skin on their faces. In most cases this dry skin is harmless, and it tends to clear up without treatment. Babies often have dry skin on their faces because their skin is more sensitive than adults. Their skin may be adjusting to

Piaget’s stages are a theory of how a child’s cognition — meaning their knowledge and understanding about the world — develops between birth and adulthood. Jean Piaget was an early psychologist who specialized in child development from the 1920s onward. Piaget developed his theories by watching children and making notes about their progress. The core

New research looks to the gut microbiome to try to address some of the symptoms associated with autism, but this investigation comes with its own set of problems. New research looks at the importance of gut bacteria in autism. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke explain that “[a]utism spectrum disorder (ASD) refers to

Ritalin and Adderall can help treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. Doctors also sometimes prescribe these medications to people with narcolepsy. Ritalin and Adderall are the brand names for two different types of stimulant medication. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), stimulants work by increasing the chemicals in a person’s brain

Tamiflu is a prescription medicine for the treatment of influenza, or flu, in children and adults. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of Tamiflu in 1999. In 2009, governments across the world stockpiled the drug in response to the worldwide spread of the H1N1, or “swine flu” strain of influenza. However, recent

Researchers have found that the dust in our households may harbor numerous chemicals that may accelerate the development of fat cells, potentially contributing to obesity. The dust in your house may contain harmful chemicals. In recent years, researchers and international policymakers have expressed concerns about the effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals, a class of substances that

Meningitis causes a characteristic rash on the skin. Learning to spot the signs and distinguish a meningitis rash from similar rashes can help a person receive treatment quickly. Meningitis is an infectious disease caused by certain viruses, bacteria, or fungi. It causes swelling of the meninges, which are the coverings on the brain and spinal

Most newborn babies follow a predictable level of growth during their first year. People can track the length of their baby using average growth charts. The average length of a full-term newborn baby is 19–20 inches (in), or 49–50 centimeters (cm). However, a length of around 18.5–20.9 in, or 47–53 cm, is also normal. Male

Gas is simply air in the stomach or intestines, but for some babies, it seems to be very painful. When a baby has gas, tiny bubbles develop in their stomach or intestines, sometimes causing pressure and stomach pain. Many gassy babies are not bothered by their gas, but some become restless and cannot sleep until

A heat rash can appear suddenly and look alarming, but it is not usually a cause for concern. Babies have delicate skin and are more likely to get heat rash than adults. Heat rash, which some people call prickly heat or miliaria, is a skin flare that happens after the skin gets too warm. These

Fever in babies is a common concern among caregivers, though a fever itself is not dangerous. A fever means that a baby’s body is fighting off an infection. When is fever a cause for concern and how can you comfort a baby with fever? Caregivers may worry when they notice that a baby has a

There are many different causes of ear drainage. The most common type of drainage from the ear is earwax, which keeps the ear clean and healthy. Other types of drainage and discharge include blood, clear fluid, and pus. These may signal a ruptured eardrum or ear infection. Anyone who notices ear discharge after an injury

Pulmonary aspiration is the medical term for a person accidentally inhaling an object or fluid into their windpipe and lungs. This can lead to coughing, difficulty breathing, discomfort, and sometimes choking. Most people occasionally experience pulmonary aspiration when something they are eating or drinking “goes down the wrong way.” Or, aspiration can be a continual

New research from Aarhus University in Denmark suggests that people who have grown up in close contact with nature are much less likely to develop mental health problems in adulthood than peers who had less access to green space as children. Did you grow up in a green area? If so, you may be enjoying

Ringworm is a type of rash that looks like a pink or red worm has curled up just under the skin. However, ringworm is not actually a worm at all. It is a contagious fungal infection called tinea, or dermatophytosis. Spotting a ringworm rash in a baby can be alarming, but it is unlikely to

Babies often go a long time between bowel movements. Most of the time, it is normal for a baby to go days or even more than a week without a bowel movement. However, a baby may sometimes be constipated and need a little help. If a baby is constipated, a pediatrician may recommend using home

Nosebleeds are common in children but are usually short-lived and rarely a cause for concern. Persistent, recurring, or very heavy bleeding may, however, require medical attention. Doctors refer to nosebleeds as epistaxis. Approximately 60 percent of people will experience a nosebleed at some point during their life. However, nosebleeds occur most commonly in children aged

Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a highly contagious condition. This infection is most common in infants, but people of all ages can contract it. Whooping cough symptoms tend to be less severe in adults than in children. Unvaccinated infants have the highest risk of developing severe symptoms and complications from whooping cough. In this article,

Enlarged adenoids are common in children. The adenoids can become enlarged due to an infection or may be enlarged from birth. The adenoids are glands that sit behind the nose above the roof of the mouth. When they grow large, they can cause snoring and breathing problems. This article will describe the function of the

New research finds that children living in homes with vinyl flooring or sofas that contain flame retardants have traces of potentially harmful toxins in their urine or blood. New research suggests that sofas and vinyl floors, in particular, contain substances that may harm children’s health. An increasing number of studies are shedding light on the

Wheezing, coughing, and breathing fast are some of the signs that a baby with asthma may display. Asthma is a chronic condition that causes airway inflammation and sensitivity to irritants that most people can inhale without any issues. Doctors can treat asthma in babies with medications that help open up the airways, which are already

People often wonder if a fetus can hear while in the womb. Many expectant parents will speak to or play music for a developing fetus. Evidence suggests that the auditory system starts forming at the 18th week of pregnancy and continues to develop until the baby is between 5 and 6 months of age. Everything

Asthma is a lung disease that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways. Common symptoms include breathing difficulty, shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, and tightness in the chest. Symptoms can vary from person to person and range from mild to severe. People may only experience symptoms in certain situations, such as when exercising. In some

Respiratory rates change based on many health and activity factors. Normal respiratory rates also differ in adults and children. The respiratory rate is the number of breaths someone takes every minute and is one of the main vital signs, along with blood pressure, pulse, and temperature. When a person inhales, oxygen enters their lungs and

A convulsion is a general term that people use to describe uncontrollable muscle contractions. Some people may use it interchangeably with the word “seizure,” although a seizure refers to an electrical disturbance in the brain. Seizures may cause a person to have convulsions, but this is not always the case. In this article, learn more

When a baby begins crying in their sleep, caregivers may worry that something is wrong. However, in most cases, for babies, crying while asleep is a phase rather than a sign of a serious problem. For many caregivers, sleep-related issues are among the biggest challenges during the baby and toddler years. Sleep problems are common,

To produce milk, the body requires extra calories. Certain foods and drinks may also influence the amount of milk that a woman produces. Read on to discover some of the best foods to help lactation, along with some other tips to encourage a steady flow of breast milk. There has been very little research into