Some situations aren’t always considered diseases, as they are simpler and quickly resolved, like phimosis, for example. The excess skin on a boy’s penis can be treated with medicated ointments, massages at home, or surgery. Fever is always a big warning sign for parents that something is wrong with their child’s health. When it appears, it may signal that an infection is active. However, there is no need to panic. Fever is simply the child’s body reacting against an invader. The body can defend itself and fight the cause of the temperature rise on its own.

Other diseases, unfortunately, cannot be prevented, as they arise from fetal development and are permanent disabilities. These are hereditary diseases or even due to genetic problems, such as children with Down syndrome or children with osteogenesis imperfecta, popularly known as brittle bone disease. Congenital deformities deserve special attention in child health because some children are born with disproportionate limb extremities or some kind of lesion. These conditions have no treatment or cure, but the effects can be eased with treatments and medications to improve quality of life. Many children are able to live almost normal lives, with some restrictions.

Children with physical or mental disabilities, e.g., wheelchair users or children with some intellectual delay, need the same care as any other child; some need more specific care, others need more caution due to increased sensitivity. All of them need medical care, good hygiene, and healthy eating to grow and develop as healthily as possible.

Photo: Nancy Lehrer