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,…

Diverticulosis is a condition in which small pouch-like structures, called diverticula, develop in the wall of the colon. Diverticulosis itself does not mean that these pouches are infected or inflamed. Many people with diverticulosis have no symptoms and may discover it during an examination or imaging test performed for another reason. It is important to distinguish diverticulosis from diverticulitis. Diverticulitis…