Tag: childhood illnesses

  • Scarlet Fever

    Scarlet Fever: Definition and Description of Scarlet Fever: Scarlet Fever, also known as scarlatina, is an infectious disease characterized by a bright red rash and fever. It is caused by a group of bacteria known as Streptococcus pyogenes, which is the same type of bacteria that causes strep throat. Typically, scarlet fever strikes children aged…

  • Red Measles

    Red Measles: Definition and Description of Red Measles: Red Measles, medically known as measles or rubeola, is a highly contagious viral infection caused by the morbillivirus. It primarily affects children but can occur in individuals of all ages. The illness is characterized by a distinctive red rash that typically covers the body after a few…

  • JRA Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis

    JRA Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis Definition and Description of JRA Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA), now more commonly known as Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA), is a chronic inflammatory disorder that affects children under the age of 16. It is characterized by persistent joint inflammation and can result in joint damage if not properly managed.…

  • Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS)

    Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS) Definition and Description of Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS) Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS) is an extremely rare genetic disorder characterized by accelerated aging in children. The term “progeria” comes from Greek, meaning “prematurely old.” HGPS is caused by a mutation in the LMNA gene, which produces the Lamin A protein essential for…

  • Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease

    Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease Definition and Description of Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a contagious viral infection that primarily affects young children but can also occur in adults. It is characterized by fever, sores in the mouth, and a rash on the hands and feet. Typical viruses that cause this disease belong to the enterovirus family,…

  • Erythema Infectiosum (Fifth Disease)

    Erythema Infectiosum (Fifth Disease) Definition and Description of Erythema Infectiosum (Fifth Disease) Erythema Infectiosum, commonly known as Fifth Disease, is a viral infection primarily caused by human parvovirus B19. It is characterized by a distinctive rash and is particularly known for the “slapped cheek” appearance in children. Fifth Disease is often mild and self-limiting, but…

  • Childhood Giant Axonal Neuropathy

    Childhood Giant Axonal Neuropathy Definition and Description of Childhood Giant Axonal Neuropathy Childhood Giant Axonal Neuropathy (CGAN) is a rare inherited neurological disorder primarily affecting children. It is characterized by the abnormal growth of axons—long projections of nerve cells that transmit signals—resulting in progressive muscle weakness and atrophy. The condition is caused by mutations in…