Helpful first aid tips for handling minor cuts, wounds, or deep cuts a child may get to the outer ear.

Most minor cuts or wounds to the face can be handled at home with simple first aid treatment. But there are also times when these injuries need medical care. Here's what you need to know.

Kids can get cuts and wounds in their mouth and on their lips when they are playing or doing sports. Learn how to use first aid for these injuries, and when to get medical care.

Most minor nose wounds can be handled at home, but a wound or bruise that also involves 1 or both eyes needs immediate medical attention.

Children usually place things in their ears because they are bored, curious, or copying other children. Some objects may cause no symptoms, but other objects, such as food and insects, may cause pain in the ear, redness, or drainage.

The injury may be to a primary tooth or a permanent tooth. A tooth can be cracked, chipped, or totally detached from its socket.

Read on for important tips on what to do if your child has an insect in their ear.

A nosebleed is bleeding from tissues inside the nose (nasal mucus membranes) caused by a broken blood vessel. Most nosebleeds in children occur in the front part of the nose close to the nostrils.

Children are more likely to end up with a cut or scrape on the head or face. One reason is that children's sense of balance isn't completely adjusted.

The structures of the eye include the cornea, iris, pupil, macula, retina, and the optic nerve.

A black eye should be seen by a healthcare provider to make sure no injury has happened to the eye itself. Most black eyes heal completely and don't cause any damage.

Hyphema is blood in the front (anterior) chamber of the eye. This is located between the clear front part of the eye (cornea) and the colored part of the eye (iris). Read on to learn more about what to do when your child has blood in their eye.

Chemical burns happen when a chemical gets into your child’s eye. Read on for details about this emergency situation.

A corneal abrasion is a scratch on the cornea. This is the clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye. Learn details about symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

Detailed information on cosmetic safety for contact lens wearers.

Eyelid lacerations are cuts to the eyelid. They are caused by injury.

A helpful guide to treating different types of eye injuries.

A foreign body in your child’s eye is any object that isn’t supposed to be there. The foreign object may be in the conjunctiva. This is a thin membrane that covers the white of the eye. Or it may be in the cornea. This is the clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the colored part of the eye and the pupil.

An orbital fracture happens when one or more bones around one of your child's eyes is broken. The orbit is the bony structure around the eye.

Children should wear protective eyewear during sports and recreational activities. In the classroom, they should wear eye protection when doing lab experiments.

Nursemaid's elbow is a type of elbow injury. It's when a forearm bone (radius) slips out of place from where it normally attaches to the elbow joint.

What is a contusion? A sprain? A strain? Find out more about these common sports injuries.

Sprains and strains are types of injuries. A sprain is an injury to a ligament while a strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon.

If you've sprained your ankle, you know what pain is. But maybe that "sprain" was a "strain" or possibly even a "break." The amount of pain in each case can be virtually equal.

Tennis elbow is a repetitive stress injury. It happens when the muscles and tendons in the elbow area are torn or damaged. Read on to learn what to do if your child

Cat scratch disease is a bacterial infection carried in cat saliva. It is passed from a cat bite or scratch to a human. It can also result from a fleabite, but cats are the main source.

Whether the bite is from a family pet or an animal in the wild, scratches and bites can become infected and cause scarring. Animals can also carry diseases that can be transmitted through a bite.

Rabies is a viral infection that attacks the nervous system. Once symptoms develop, it is often fatal. But a rabies vaccine, or a series of vaccines, given soon after contact with an animal infected with rabies can prevent the illness.

When your child is bitten or scratched by an animal, remain calm and reassure your child that you can help. Here's what you need to know.

Human bite wounds are more likely to become infected than dog or cat bites. A healthcare provider should check any human bite that breaks the skin.

Dogs are responsible for 85% to 90% of all animal bites. But, many incidents can be avoided.

A young child may bite out of frustration or when under stress. Biting may also be an attempt to gain power, or just a way of exploring the world. Read on to learn how to respond if your child bites, no matter what the cause.

Most spiders in the U.S. are poisonous. The fangs of most spiders are too short or too fragile to break through human skin. Or their poison (venom) is too weak to cause damage. Most spider bites cause only minor, local reactions. But bites from the black widow and the brown recluse spiders can cause serious problems. Read on to learn more.

Fleas, mites, and chiggers are different kinds of small insects. They are also parasites. This means they feed off the blood, skin, or both of animals and humans. These insects are more common in the warm weather. They bite skin and cause symptoms such as bumps, redness, pain, or itching.

For most children, the reaction to a sting is brief, with redness and swelling followed by pain and itching. Others may have an allergic reaction that is life-threatening. Read on for details.

Lyme disease is an infection caused by bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi. The bacteria are usually spread by tick bites. Lyme disease is a year-round problem, but it peaks during the spring and summer months.

Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is a bacterial infection. It’s spread by the bite of an infected tick. Learn details about symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

Both venomous and nonvenomous snakes can bite. It's important to treat all snakebites as if they are venomous. Here's what you need to know.

Ticks attach themselves to the scalp, behind the ear, in the armpit and groin, and also between fingers and toes. Find out what to do if you find a tick on your child.

Carbon monoxide poisoning is an illness that occurs from breathing in carbon monoxide (CO) gas. It's a medical emergency and needs treatment right away.

Always remember that ordinary products you use each day around the home can become dangerous poisons in the hands of a child. Here's what you should know.

Medicines are the leading cause of poisoning in children. Poisoning by makeup and personal care products is the next most common cause.

Sometimes accidental poisonings can be treated in the home under the direction of a poison control center or your child's healthcare provider. At other times, emergency medical care is necessary.

Lead poisoning is a totally preventable disease. Children ages 1 to 3 who live in low-income housing built before 1978 are especially at risk. Read on to learn more.

Mushroom poisoning happens when a child eats a mushroom that has poisons (toxins). Here's what you need to know, from symptoms to diagnosis and treatment.

The skin is the body's largest organ. It serves as a protective shield against heat, light, injury, and infection.

Know the types of burns you can get and how to keep you and your family safe.

Detailed information about how to care for your child's heat-induced burn.

Chemical burns can occur when strong acids or alkalis come in contact with the skin or the eyes.

Burns are classified as first-, second-, or third-degree, depending on how deep and severe they penetrate the skin's surface.

Electrical burns occur when a child comes in contact with electricity, either alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC).

A burn is damage to tissues of the body caused by contact with things such as heat, radiation, or chemicals. A first-degree burn affects only the outer layer of skin (epidermis).

Here are safety tips: Periodically, check electrical plugs and cords for dirt or fraying. When cooking with hot oil, keep your child a safe distance from the stove. Teach your child to stay away from lighters and matches.

A burn is damage to tissues of the body caused by contact with things such as heat, radiation, or chemicals. A second-degree burn affects the outer layer of skin (epidermis) and part of the inner layer of skin (dermis).

A burn is damage to tissues of the body caused by contact with things such as heat, radiation, or chemicals. A third-degree burn damages the outer layer of skin (epidermis) and the inner layer of skin (dermis). A child with a third-degree burn needs immediate medical care.

Details about when to call your child's healthcare provider after a burn.

Most children with burns have pain, which can be controlled with medicine. They also usually experience itching at some point during the healing process.

Your child's burn care and emotional recovery will continue when you leave the hospital. Along with the excitement, you and your child may also feel uneasy about what will happen next.

Your child may come home with unhealed areas that still need directed on how to change dressings before you leave the hospital.

Agitated behavior, such as crying, sleep disturbances and nightmares, and repeated episodes of sadness are signs that your child may be having trouble coping with stress.

A child who has been burned needs additional calories and protein to help them heal and grow.

Most second- and third-degree burns cause scarring. Physical therapists will work with your child to prevent or reduce scarring.

You can prevent the flu this season by taking 1 simple step: Get a flu shot.

At home or work, it's important to wash your hands often and correctly. Read on to learn how.

One way to prevent the spread of disease from your pet: Feed your pet a balanced diet. Don't give your pet raw foods or allow it to drink out of the toilet.

How can you get your kids into the handwashing habit? We've got a few tips for you below.

Chickenpox is a common childhood disease that causes an itchy, blistering rash and is easily spread to others.

Your little one will need several immunization shots to help protect them from several childhood diseases, some of which can be deadly. Read on for helpful advice on which shots they need and when--and what to do if they have a minor reaction.

Diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus are serious illnesses. A combination vaccine is given to babies and children to provide protection against all 3 diseases.

Haemophilus influenzae type b is a serious bacterial disease that usually strikes children younger than 5. It is spread from person-to-person by coughing and sneezing.

An infant or young child who contracts hepatitis B is at greater risk of staying infected with the virus and of having lifelong liver problems, such as scarring of the liver and liver cancer.

The MMR vaccine is given in 2 doses--at 12 to 15 months and at 4 to 6 years, or at least 1 month after the first dose.

Pneumococcus bacteria can cause serious illness in children, including pneumonia, infection in the blood, and meningitis.

The poliovirus destroys the nervous system, causing paralysis. Today, polio is extremely rare in the United States because of the polio vaccine. It's still common in other countries, though, so children still need to be immunized.

Where can you as a parent turn to for the facts about vaccine safety? The first place to go is your child's healthcare provider.

The cholesterol in blood comes from 2 sources: the foods your teen eats and their liver. The liver, however, makes all of the cholesterol your teen's body needs.

Although it is not a perfect measure, BMI gives a fairly accurate evaluation of how much of your teen's body is made up of fat.

Detailed information on diagnosing and evaluating heart disease in children

Teens need at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity on most days for good health and fitness and for healthy weight during growth.

Encourage your teen to eat three balanced meals a day, with fruits or vegetables as snacks.

Most children become obese because of a poor diet, lack of physical activity, and other lifestyle issues. In rare cases, however, a child's excess weight may be because of a specific illness.

You may think of heart disease as a problem for adults, not your young children. But diet and exercise habits started in childhood can begin a lifetime of heart health, or a lifetime of heart damage.

Read on to learn all about fever and children--from symptoms and treatment to how to take your child's temperature.

You want to help a child with cold symptoms feel better, but choosing among countless over-the-counter (OTC) cold medicines can be daunting. Here are some guidelines that can help.

Although a child who has sickle cell disease should be under a healthcare provider's care, parents can do many things at home to reduce symptoms and maintain the child's health.

Adolescence is a stressful time of life even for physically healthy teens. Chronic illness further complicates adolescent development. Read on to learn more.

School-based occupational therapy is a type of help given to children at school to help them be more successful.

Most healthcare providers advise taking a baby's temperature rectally, by placing a thermometer in the baby's anus. This method is accurate and gives a quick reading of the baby's internal temperature.

A look at why kids get carsick, with helpful tips for prevention—and what to do if it occurs.

An appendectomy is surgery to remove a child’s appendix. An appendectomy may be done as an open surgery or as laparoscopic surgery. Read on to learn what to expect before, during, and after the surgery.

A CT abdominal scan is a type of imaging test. It can diagnose abdominal problems in babies and children.

A look at how open surgery compares to minimally invasive surgery, including different types of procedures.

Many surgeries performed on children are done as an outpatient. With minor surgeries, your child will return to the outpatient surgery center after spending the needed time in the recovery room.

Surgery doesn't always mean large incisions. Minimally invasive surgery is often used today. This uses small cuts, and allows a child to recover faster and with less pain.

Touring the hospital before surgery can help your child see the sights, sounds, and events they will experience the day of surgery. It is a nonthreatening, often reassuring, way to learn about the hospital.

Symptoms of latex allergy include watery or itchy eyes, wheezing, hives, flushing or a skin rash, itching, or swelling.

This is the time to ask questions: What are the expected results? What are the possible risks and complications? How long will the surgery take?

You will be asked to sign an informed consent form. It states in detail that you understand the risks and benefits of your child's surgery.

When your child goes to the hospital, brothers and sisters may feel afraid, worried, or confused. They're often afraid simply because they don't know what to expect, and they may imagine the worst. Here's what you can do to help.

It's important to keep your baby's routine the same before the day of surgery. Make sure you, your baby, and your family are well rested.

One of the major fears preschoolers have is fear of the unknown. Tell your child about the surgery several days before the procedure and perhaps even visit the hospital for a tour.

Have your child explain back to you what is going to happen in the hospital. School-aged children sometimes will listen carefully, but not understand all that was said.

Allow your teen to be part of the decision-making process. Encourage them to make a list of questions to ask the healthcare providers.

Read books to your toddler about going to the hospital. Keep any explanations simple and be careful of the words you use.

If your baby needs surgery, you may feel helpless. But there's something you can do to make this experience a little less stressful: breastfeed. Read on for helpful tips.

Talk with your baby's healthcare provider about being present as much as possible for the test or procedure. Child development experts say it's best to keep to a minimum the amount of time your child is separated from you at this age.

By age 7 or 8, school-age children are starting to develop coping skills as they think more logically and begin to understand cause and effect - if this happens, then that may happen. This way of thinking helps them find ways to cope with scary or stressful experiences.

During the teen years, abstract thinking begins and teens can fully understand how parts of the body function, the medical problem they have, and the reason for the test, procedure, or surgery.

Helpful tips on how to prepare your toddler or preschooler child for a surgery, test, or procedure.

Read on for helpful information about what to expect before and after your child's surgery.

Your child will need to know that people in the operating room will be wearing surgical clothes to help prevent germs from infecting the surgical incision.

Most surgical teams include a surgeon, an anesthesiologist, a nurse anesthetist, and an operating room nurse. The number of team members differs depending on the type of surgery performed.

During surgery, your child will be given some form of anesthesia - medicine given to relieve pain and sensation.

An appendectomy is surgery to remove a child’s appendix. An appendectomy may be done as an open surgery or as laparoscopic surgery. Read on to learn what to expect before, during, and after the surgery.

Appendicitis is a medical emergency that happens when your appendix becomes sore, swollen, and diseased.

Cecostomy is surgery to clear a child's bowels of feces when other treatment has not worked. It is used for children with fecal incontinence caused by major health problems.

An ear tube insertion is when a tiny tube is placed in the eardrum to let fluid leave the middle ear. Read on to learn all about this procedure.

Endoscopic sinus surgery is a procedure to open the passages of the nose and sinuses. It is done to treat long-term (chronic) sinus infections. An ear, nose, and throat specialist (ENT) does the surgery.

Gastric banding is a form of weight-loss (bariatric) surgery. It's used to treat people with severe obesity who haven't been able to lose weight through diet and exercise alone. It's most often done in adults. But, in some cases, it may be a treatment choice for a teen.

Hypospadias is a problem where the opening of the urethra is not at the tip of the penis. With hypospadias, the end of the tube is lower down on the underside of the penis. Or it may be in the scrotum.

A hernia occurs when a part of the intestine pushes through a weakness in the belly (abdominal) muscles. A hernia in the groin area is called an inguinal hernia.

A percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube is a feeding tube surgically placed through your belly (abdomen) into your stomach.

A tonsillectomy may be recommended if your child has throat infections that keep coming back. Adenoidectomy is recommended if your child has a lot of trouble breathing through the nose. Often the tonsils and adenoids are removed at the same time.

Learn what you can expect about hospital discharge after your child has minor surgery.

Common discomforts after surgery include nausea and vomiting, soreness in the throat, and restlessness or sleeplessness.

Intensive care is needed for children who have had certain types of major surgery: heart operations, organ transplants, or neurosurgery.

If your child has moderate to severe pain, they may receive narcotics during and after surgery. If your child is in the ICU after surgery, they may receive sedatives along with pain medicines.

Play therapy is used to help children understand and cope with illness, surgery, hospitalization, treatments, and procedures.

A medical error can occur when something that was planned for medical care doesn't work, or when the wrong plan was used in the first place.

Once surgery is done, your child will be brought to the recovery room, also called the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU).

In some children, the openings into the tear duct don’t form the right way. This causes a blockage. The tears have no place to drain. Learn more about how this condition can affect your child, and how it's treated.

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eye. The conjunctiva is the membrane that lines the inside of the eyelids and covers the eyeball. Conjunctivitis is also known as “pink eye.”

Keratitis is an inflammation or infection of the cornea of the eye. The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye.

A stye is a sore red bump on the edge of the eyelid. Styes are one of the most common eye problems in children. Here's what you should know.

Swimmer’s ear (otitis externa) is an inflammation of the external ear canal. Swimmer’s ear is caused by bacteria or fungi. Water that stays in the ear canal during swimming, for instance, may let bacteria and fungi grow.

The Asthma Action Plan includes information about your child's symptoms and medicines. It also includes directions about managing your child’s symptoms and when to call their healthcare provider.

Allergic rhinitis can happen on a seasonal basis or year-round. There is often a family history of allergic rhinitis, eczema, asthma, or food allergy. Read on to learn details about treating and managing this condition.

The common cold is one of the most common illnesses in children. Most children will have at least 6 to 8 colds a year.

Croup is a common infection in children. It causes swelling in the upper part of the airway in the neck. It causes a barking cough, with or without fever. And it may cause problems breathing.

Parents of children with egg sensitivity may not be aware of the many food products that contain eggs. That's why it's important to carefully read food labels. Here's what you should know.

A food allergy is when your child’s body has a bad immune reaction to a certain food. This is different than a food intolerance which does not affect the immune system. This is true even though some of the same signs may be present.

Influenza (flu) is a very contagious viral infection that affects the air passages of the lungs. It causes a high fever, body aches, a cough, and other symptoms.

Helpful information on helping your child follow a milk-free diet, including tips for reading food labels.

A detailed look at how to follow a peanut-free diet for your child, including how to read food labels.

Pharyngitis is redness, pain, and swelling of the throat (pharynx). Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils. The tonsils are a pair of tissue masses on either side of the back of the throat. They are part of the immune system, the part of the body that fights infection and other disease.

A tonsillectomy may be recommended if your child has throat infections that keep coming back. Adenoidectomy is recommended if your child has a lot of trouble breathing through the nose. Often the tonsils and adenoids are removed at the same time.

Tonsillitis means that your tonsils are inflamed. Your tonsils are large, fleshy glands at the back of your throat. These glands make antibodies that help fight infection.

How asthma will affect a child throughout their lifetime varies, depending on the child.

Ozone and air pollution can be a trigger for your child's asthma. As with all triggers, the key is to prevent or minimize exposure as much as possible.

Acne is a disorder of the hair follicles and sebaceous glands. Hair follicles are the areas around the base or root of each hair. Sebaceous glands are the tiny glands that release oil (sebum) into the hair follicles. The sebum moistens the skin and hair. The sebum and hair get to the skin surface through tiny holes called pores.

Detailed information on birthmarks and the different types, including vascular birthmarks, hemangiomas, and port-wine stains.

Contact dermatitis is a reaction that happens after your skin comes in contact with certain substances. Skin irritants cause most contact dermatitis reactions. Other cases are caused by allergens, which set off an allergic response.

Fifth disease is a viral illness that causes a rash. It occurs most often in the winter and spring.

Head lice are tiny parasitic bugs that can infest the skin. They live on people’s heads and feed on their blood. Head lice can cause intense itching.

Impetigo is a skin infection. When it affects just the surface, it’s called superficial impetigo. Impetigo can also affect deeper parts of the skin. This is called ecthyma. It may occur on healthy skin. Or it may occur where the skin was injured by a cut, scrape, or insect bite.

Detailed information on poison ivy, including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

Detailed information on sunburn, including symptoms, treatment, and prevention.

Warts on the skin are harmless growths. They are caused by a virus. Warts can spread to other parts of the body and to other people.

Detailed information on diagnosing and evaluating heart disease in children

Blood pressure is the force of the blood pushing against the artery walls. High blood pressure (hypertension) means that the pressure inside the arteries is too high. This higher pressure may harm the arteries and cause the heart to work harder.

High blood pressure, isn't limited to those 18 and older. Here's what you need to know about high blood pressure and your child.

Diabetes occurs when not enough insulin is made. Or when the body is unable to use the insulin that is made. The 3 main types of diabetes are type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes.

Detailed information on special considerations for teens with diabetes.

Diabetes is a condition in which the body can't make enough insulin, or can't use insulin normally. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder. The body's immune system damages the cells in the pancreas that make insulin. Insulin is a hormone. It helps sugar (glucose) in the blood get into cells of the body to be used as fuel. When glucose can’t enter the cells, it builds up in the blood. This is called high blood sugar (hyperglycemia).

Diabetes is a condition in which the body can't make enough insulin, or can't use insulin normally. Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder. Insulin is a hormone. It helps sugar (glucose) in the blood get into cells of the body to be used as fuel. When glucose can’t enter the cells, it builds up in the blood. This is called high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). High blood sugar can cause problems all over the body.

A fracture is a partial or complete break in the bone. When a fracture happens, it is classified as either open or closed.

A spine affected by kyphosis has a forward curvature of the back bones (vertebrae) in the upper back area, giving an abnormally rounded or humpback appearance.

Lordosis is a deformity of the backbone (spine). It's when the bones of the spine (vertebrae) in the lower back curve inward more than normal.

Osgood-Schlatter disease is an overuse condition in children. It's when the tendon in a knee becomes injured and inflamed.

Scoliosis is a deformity of the backbone (spine). It's when the spine has a side-to-side curve. The curve of the spine measures 10° or more.

Sever disease occurs when a tendon in 1 or both of your child's heels becomes injured and inflamed.

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is a condition of the hip joint that affects children. In SCFE, the ball of the thighbone (femoral head) slips off the neck of the thighbone.

Chickenpox is a common childhood disease that causes an itchy, blistering rash and is easily spread to others.

There are many types of enteroviruses. The viruses mostly cause illness in babies, children, and teens. This is because most adults have already been exposed to many enteroviruses and have built up immunity.

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. It can damage and destroy liver cells.

Infectious mononucleosis is a contagious illness. It’s common in teens and young adults.

Measles (rubeola) is a respiratory illness caused by a virus. It causes a red, blotchy rash. It’s a very contagious illness.

Meningitis is most often caused by a bacterial or viral infection that moves into the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF).

Mumps is a very contagious viral illness that infects the pair of salivary glands in front of the ears. Cases of mumps in the U.S. happen much less often since the mumps vaccine has been used.

Roseola is a contagious viral illness. It causes a high fever and then a rash that develops as the fever goes away.

Scarlet fever is an infectious disease that causes a rash. It is caused by the same kind of bacteria that cause strep throat.

Tetanus is a severe illness of the central nervous system caused by bacteria. It's not contagious. It can be prevented by a vaccine.

Tuberculosis (TB) is an ongoing (chronic) infection caused by bacteria. It usually infects the lungs. But the kidneys, spine, and brain may also be affected.

Whooping cough (pertussis) is a contagious illness. It causes intense fits (paroxysms) of coughing. It mainly affects babies and young children.

Over-the-counter medicines can help ease a child's aches and pains, but you should know a few things before you pop open a bottle.

Always read the label. All OTC medicine labels have detailed usage and warning information to help you choose and use the products. Here's a helpful guide to reading these labels.