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A pregnant woman passes antibodies to her unborn baby through the placenta to protect against certain diseases. How long does this natural immunity last?

Minor Cuts, Scrapes, and Skin WoundsSee All
 Abrasions in Minor Cuts, Scrapes, and Skin Wounds
An abrasion is a superficial rub or wearing off of the skin, usually caused by a scrape or a brush burn. Abrasions are usually minor injuries that can be treated at home. ...more
Detailed information on blisters, including cause, first aid, and treatment....more
 Bruises in Minor Cuts, Scrapes, and Skin Wounds
A bruise is a collection of blood underneath the skin that is caused by injury to an area of the body. Sometimes enough bleeding occurs so that a lump also forms. ...more
A laceration (cut) is a tear or opening in the skin caused by an injury. Some lacerations are small and need only minor treatment at home. ...more
Stitches and adhesive strips are used to treat lacerations. Learn how to give your child first aid for cuts and when stitches or adhesive strips are needed. ...more
A puncture wound is a deep wound made by a sharp object. This type of wound may become infected easily because dirt and germs are carried deep into the tissues. ...more
Wash the cut area well with soap and water, but do not scrub the wound. A dirty cut or scrape that is not thoroughly cleaned can cause scarring. ...more
 Splinters in Minor Cuts, Scrapes, and Skin Wounds
A splinter is a sharp sliver of wood, glass, or other debris that is lodged underneath the skin. Removal of small, superficial splinters can usually be done at home. Read on to learn how. ...more
 Abrasions in Minor Cuts, Scrapes, and Skin Wounds
An abrasion is a superficial rub or wearing off of the skin, usually caused by a scrape or a brush burn. Abrasions are usually minor injuries that can be treated at home. ...more
Detailed information on blisters, including cause, first aid, and treatment....more
 Bruises in Minor Cuts, Scrapes, and Skin Wounds
A bruise is a collection of blood underneath the skin that is caused by injury to an area of the body. Sometimes enough bleeding occurs so that a lump also forms. ...more
A laceration (cut) is a tear or opening in the skin caused by an injury. Some lacerations are small and need only minor treatment at home. ...more
Stitches and adhesive strips are used to treat lacerations. Learn how to give your child first aid for cuts and when stitches or adhesive strips are needed. ...more
A puncture wound is a deep wound made by a sharp object. This type of wound may become infected easily because dirt and germs are carried deep into the tissues. ...more
Wash the cut area well with soap and water, but do not scrub the wound. A dirty cut or scrape that is not thoroughly cleaned can cause scarring. ...more
 Splinters in Minor Cuts, Scrapes, and Skin Wounds
A splinter is a sharp sliver of wood, glass, or other debris that is lodged underneath the skin. Removal of small, superficial splinters can usually be done at home. Read on to learn how. ...more
Superficial Injuries to the Face and Head See All
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....more
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. ...more
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. ...more
Read on for important tips on what to do if your child has an insect in their ear....more
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. ...more
The injury may be to a primary tooth or a permanent tooth. A tooth can be cracked, chipped, or totally detached from its socket. ...more
Helpful first aid tips for handling minor cuts, wounds, or deep cuts a child may get to the outer ear. ...more
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. ...more
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....more
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. ...more
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. ...more
Read on for important tips on what to do if your child has an insect in their ear....more
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. ...more
The injury may be to a primary tooth or a permanent tooth. A tooth can be cracked, chipped, or totally detached from its socket. ...more
Helpful first aid tips for handling minor cuts, wounds, or deep cuts a child may get to the outer ear. ...more
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. ...more
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Eye TraumaSee All
 Preventing Eye Injuries in Children in Eye Trauma
Children should wear protective eyewear during sports and recreational activities. In the classroom, they should wear eye protection when doing lab experiments. ...more
 Corneal Abrasions in Children in Eye Trauma
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. ...more
 Chemical Burns of the Eye in Children in Eye Trauma
Chemical burns happen when a chemical gets into your child’s eye. Read on for details about this emergency situation. ...more
 Black Eye (Ecchymosis) in Eye Trauma
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. ...more
 Fractures of the Orbit in Children in Eye Trauma
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. ...more
 Eyelid Lacerations in Children in Eye Trauma
Eyelid lacerations are cuts to the eyelid. They are caused by injury....more
 Foreign Bodies in the Eye in Children in Eye Trauma
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. ...more
 Blood in the Eye (Hyphema) in Children in Eye Trauma
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. ...more
 Preventing Eye Injuries in Children in Eye Trauma
Children should wear protective eyewear during sports and recreational activities. In the classroom, they should wear eye protection when doing lab experiments. ...more
 Corneal Abrasions in Children in Eye Trauma
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. ...more
 Chemical Burns of the Eye in Children in Eye Trauma
Chemical burns happen when a chemical gets into your child’s eye. Read on for details about this emergency situation. ...more
 Black Eye (Ecchymosis) in Eye Trauma
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. ...more
 Fractures of the Orbit in Children in Eye Trauma
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. ...more
 Eyelid Lacerations in Children in Eye Trauma
Eyelid lacerations are cuts to the eyelid. They are caused by injury....more
 Foreign Bodies in the Eye in Children in Eye Trauma
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. ...more
 Blood in the Eye (Hyphema) in Children in Eye Trauma
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. ...more
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Muscle and Joint InjuriesSee All
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. ...more
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. ...more
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. ...more
 Sports-Related Injuries in Muscle and Joint Injuries
What is a contusion? A sprain? A strain? Find out more about these common sports injuries....more
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 ...more
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. ...more
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. ...more
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. ...more
 Sports-Related Injuries in Muscle and Joint Injuries
What is a contusion? A sprain? A strain? Find out more about these common sports injuries....more
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 ...more
Animal and Human BitesSee All
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. ...more
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. ...more
Dogs are responsible for 85% to 90% of all animal bites. But, many incidents can be avoided. ...more
 Rabies in Children in Animal and Human Bites
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. ...more
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. ...more
 Treatment for Human Bites in Animal and Human Bites
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. ...more
 Why Children Bite in Animal and Human Bites
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. ...more
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. ...more
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. ...more
Dogs are responsible for 85% to 90% of all animal bites. But, many incidents can be avoided. ...more
 Rabies in Children in Animal and Human Bites
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. ...more
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. ...more
 Treatment for Human Bites in Animal and Human Bites
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. ...more
 Why Children Bite in Animal and Human Bites
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. ...more
Insect BitesSee All
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. ...more
 Tick Bites in Insect Bites
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. ...more
 Lyme Disease in Children in Insect Bites
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. ...more
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. ...more
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. ...more
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. ...more
 Snakebites in Children in Insect Bites
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. ...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. ...more
 Tick Bites in Insect Bites
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. ...more
 Lyme Disease in Children in Insect Bites
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. ...more
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. ...more
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. ...more
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. ...more
 Snakebites in Children in Insect Bites
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. ...more
PoisonsSee All
 Facts About Poisons in Poisons
Medicines are the leading cause of poisoning in children. Poisoning by makeup and personal care products is the next most common cause. ...more
 First Aid for Poisonings in a Child in Poisons
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. ...more
 Childproof Your Home for Poisons in Poisons
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. ...more
 Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Children in Poisons
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. ...more
 Lead Poisoning in Children in Poisons
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. ...more
 Mushroom Poisoning in Children in Poisons
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. ...more
 Facts About Poisons in Poisons
Medicines are the leading cause of poisoning in children. Poisoning by makeup and personal care products is the next most common cause. ...more
 First Aid for Poisonings in a Child in Poisons
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. ...more
 Childproof Your Home for Poisons in Poisons
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. ...more
 Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Children in Poisons
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. ...more
 Lead Poisoning in Children in Poisons
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. ...more
 Mushroom Poisoning in Children in Poisons
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. ...more
BurnsSee All
 Fire Safety and Burns Overview in About Burns
Know the types of burns you can get and how to keep you and your family safe....more
 Anatomy of the Skin in About Burns
The skin is the body's largest organ. It serves as a protective shield against heat, light, injury, and infection. ...more
Burns are classified as first-, second-, or third-degree, depending on how deep and severe they penetrate the skin's surface....more
 First-Degree Burn in Children in Types of Burns
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). ...more
 Nutrition and Burns in Care of Burns
A child who has been burned needs additional calories and protein to help them heal and grow. ...more
 Burns: Symptom Management in Care of Burns
Most children with burns have pain, which can be controlled with medicine. They also usually experience itching at some point during the healing process. ...more
About BurnsTypes of BurnsCare of Burns
 Fire Safety and Burns Overview in About Burns
Know the types of burns you can get and how to keep you and your family safe....more
 Anatomy of the Skin in About Burns
The skin is the body's largest organ. It serves as a protective shield against heat, light, injury, and infection. ...more
Burns are classified as first-, second-, or third-degree, depending on how deep and severe they penetrate the skin's surface....more
 First-Degree Burn in Children in Types of Burns
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). ...more
 Nutrition and Burns in Care of Burns
A child who has been burned needs additional calories and protein to help them heal and grow. ...more
 Burns: Symptom Management in Care of Burns
Most children with burns have pain, which can be controlled with medicine. They also usually experience itching at some point during the healing process. ...more