Conditions A - Z

Athlete's foot , medically known as tinea pedis, is a fungal infection that commonly affects the skin of the feet, often occurring between the toes due to the warm, moist conditions created by sweaty feet and tight shoes.  It’s very contagious and is characterised by symptoms like white patches between the toes, persistent itching, redness, burning, peeling and even blisters. ...

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal problem that affects around 1 in 10 women here in the UK. It can cause irregular or absent periods, excess hair growth, acne, weight issues and fertility problems.  PCOS is linked to metabolic issues like insulin resistance, which can lead to diabetes. To diagnose PCOS, doctors will look at your symptoms, hormone...

Head lice are small insects that live in the hair. The lice feed on blood from the scalp and are commonly found in children.  Having head lice is not usually something to worry about. It is not a sign of poor personal hygiene or a dirty environment.  Treating head lice is simple, and there are a range of medicated and...

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a major cause of death here in the UK. It’s a condition where the heart's blood vessels, known as coronary arteries, become narrow or blocked due to the buildup of plaque, which restricts blood flow to the heart muscle.  This can lead to symptoms like chest pain (angina), shortness of breath and even heart attacks...

Diabetes is a medical condition that causes a person’s blood sugar level to become too high.  There are 2 main types of diabetes: Type 1 diabetes  Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong condition. It happens when the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the cells that produce insulin. Genes and environmental factors can trigger the disease. Type 2 diabetes  Type...

Warts and verrucas are common skin conditions caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). This virus infects the top layer of skin, resulting in an overgrowth of skin cells. They appear as small, raised growths – sometimes in clusters – and they’re typically harmless. Although, they are unsightly and some verrucas can be painful to walk on. Warts appear on the...