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Pica

Pica is a condition in which a person craves substances that are not food, such as clay, dirt, ice, or flecks of old paint. Pica can have a physical cause, such as iron deficiency anemia or pregnancy, or it may be due to a mental health condition.

Treatment depends on the cause and may include psychological counseling or medications to reduce the craving.

Current as of: May 1, 2026

Author: WebMD Ignite Staff

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All WebMD Ignite education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

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Measles in Cincinnati: What Parents Need to Know

Updated September 18, 2026 Written in collaboration with Dr. Leah Welty If you’ve seen recent news about measles cases in Cincinnati,

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