Diaper rash is a common skin problem in babies and young children. It usually appears as redness, irritation or inflammation on the skin covered by the diaper, particularly around the buttocks and genital area. The medical term for irritation caused by prolonged contact with a diaper is irritant diaper dermatitis. Diaper rash commonly develops when moisture, urine, stool, friction and…
Seeing two images of a single object is called diplopia, commonly known as double vision. It can occur in one eye or when both eyes are open. Double vision may result from an eye condition, problems with the muscles that control eye movement, or disorders affecting the nerves and brain. In some cases, particularly when double vision begins suddenly, it…
Disc prolapse, also known as a slipped disc or herniated disc, is a condition in which the soft inner part of a spinal disc bulges through its outer fibrous layer. This may compress nearby nerves and cause lower back pain, sciatica, numbness or weakness. Although a disc prolapse can occur anywhere in the spine, it most commonly affects the lumbar…
Dupuytren’s disease is a connective tissue condition affecting the palm and fingers. It causes abnormal thickening of the fascia, the fibrous tissue beneath the skin of the palm. Over time, this thickened tissue can form firm cords that pull one or more fingers toward the palm. This can gradually make it difficult to straighten the affected fingers or perform everyday…
Dysentery is an intestinal infection or inflammation that causes diarrhea, abdominal cramps and frequent loose stools that may contain blood or mucus. It can be caused by bacteria or parasites and commonly spreads through contaminated food or water. Because dysentery can lead to dehydration and, in some cases, serious complications, persistent diarrhea or blood in the stool should not be…
Dyslexia is a learning difference that mainly affects reading, spelling, writing and the processing of written language. It is usually identified during childhood, although some people may not be diagnosed until adolescence or adulthood. A child with dyslexia may have normal or above-average intelligence but still find reading, spelling or written work unusually difficult. Dyslexia is not caused by laziness,…
A carbuncle is a cluster of connected boils that forms under the skin and contains pus. It is usually caused by a bacterial infection, most commonly involving Staphylococcus aureus. Carbuncles can be painful and may drain pus through one or more openings in the skin. They commonly develop on areas such as the back of the neck, shoulders, thighs or…
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition caused by compression or irritation of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. It can cause numbness, tingling, pain and weakness in the hand and fingers. Symptoms often develop gradually and may become more noticeable at night, during repetitive hand activities or when holding the wrist in…
Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the deeper layers of the skin, usually involving the dermis and tissues beneath the skin. It can develop anywhere on the body but commonly affects the lower legs and feet. Cellulitis usually develops when bacteria enter the skin through a cut, crack, wound, insect or animal bite, or another break in the skin. The…
Cervicitis is inflammation of the cervix, the lower, narrow part of the uterus that connects the uterus with the vagina. It may occur because of an infection, particularly sexually transmitted infections (STIs), or because of irritation or other noninfectious causes. Common infectious causes include chlamydia and gonorrhea, while other infections such as Trichomonas vaginalis and certain vaginal infections may also…
