Chickenpox is a virus caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It is common among children but anyone can catch it at any age, but you can only catch it once. When adults get it, the symptoms are usually worse. Chickenpox spreads in the same way as those responsible for colds, flu and other infectious diseases. The virus is contained within droplets of mucus and saliva which are released into the air via coughing or sneezing. These droplets also fall onto objects and surfaces which, when touched, enable the virus to be easily transferred to another person. You only need to be in the same space with an infected person for a short period of time for this virus to spread to you. It's a very contagious infection - about 90% of people who have not previously had chickenpox will become infected when they come into contact with the virus. There is an incubation period of 7 to 21 days before the symptoms of chickenpox make themselves known. Chickenpox can be caught off someone with shingles but not vice versa.

Candida is a very common yeast causing a thrush infection. This gives rise to itching and soreness on skin around the genitals, and sometimes pain when passing urine. Warm damp conditions allow the yeast to grow, leading to a distinct bright red rash, often with small red bumps or pus-filled bumps around the edge. Soreness rather than itchiness distinguishes it from other causes of rash. This is more common in women than men, and affects the labia (the outer and inner lips to the vagina), but can spread to the groin, and can cause itching and irritation to the inside of the vagina. You may also experience vaginal discharge, which is typically thick, white, and doesn't have any particular smell. Most people know it as thrush, but it's medically termed candidiasis, or candidal vulvovaginitis if it affects the vagina. In men, this can affect the penis, causing candidal balanitis, and may cause some pain on passing urine.

Candidal balanitis is a common condition in men that causes the head of the penis to become inflamed. It is caused by candida, a very common yeast that can be found on our bodies. Typically it doesn’t cause any problems because it’s a very small amount however given the right setting, the yeast can multiply rapidly leading to an infection known as candidiasis (thrush). In men, it can affect the penis and foreskin, causing candidal balanitis. About 1 in 25 men will develop candidal balanitis at some point in their life.

Blistex cold sore cream contains docosanol which is an antiviral agent. Treatment must start in the early stages of a cold sore before the blisters appear. As soon as you get any of the symptoms, apply a thin film carefully over the entire cold sore 5 times a day. Continue using until the cold sore is healed, usually 4-6 days. The cause of cold sores is a herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection. The infection may break out when the immune system is weakened, during stress or during a menstrual period. The virus causes blisters or sores, mainly on the lips.

Black fungus is a rare but very serious fungal infection that affects the nose, sinuses, lungs, eyes and sometimes the brain. It is found in the soil and is associated with decaying organic matter such as manure, vegetables and fruit. It gets its name from the black lesions it causes on the mouth and nose, and is officially named mucormycosis, or previously zygomycosis. It's come to prominence recently owing to an association with COVID-19 infection, especially in patients who contracted the virus in India. Small outbreaks of black fungus can also occur in certain groups of people such as thouse who have had an organ transplant. It's come to prominence recently owing to an association with COVID-19 infection, especially in patients who have contracted the virus in India.

Athlete's foot is a fungal skin infection that occurs in warm, moist areas such as the feet and between the toes. It’s very common, affecting up to a quarter of people at some time in their life. Known medically as tinea pedis, it produces symptoms of a rash that is usually red, sore and itchy, with clear edges that can form a ring-like pattern, giving it its other name of ringworm. It can be passed on from person to person, often from walking barefoot in gym showers or around swimming pools for example. The typical presentation of athlete’s foot is that the skin between the little toes is often affected first, with a very itchy rash that can split or crack the skin there. Larger splits can then occur between other toes which can be painful and the rash can progressively spread along the toes if it isn’t treated. Sometimes it can spread to the soles of the feet and even the sides of them in severe cases.

A cold sore is a small blister on the face that is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). The blister pops and then gets a crust over it. Some people experience tingling or burning before the blister appears and it can be painful. They are very common, with around 1 in 5 people suffering from repeated cold sores. They usually heal by themselves between seven and 10 days. Most people are infected with the virus when they are young, but they may not get a cold sore until many years later. Once infected, the virus stays within you and can be reactivated and cause other cold sores at future points. This is usually around times of stress, tiredness, menstruation, illness or some people find the sun can cause outbreaks. Genital herpes and cold sores are caused by the same virus, although there are two different strains (HSV1 and HSV2). It's not really important which one is causing trouble, as treatment is based on symptoms. If you have symptoms in your genital area, see your doctor or a sexual health doctor to discuss this.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are often associated with women, but they can also significantly impact men, especially as they age. UTIs occur when bacteria infect any part of the urinary system, including the urethra, bladder, ureters, or kidneys. Understanding UTIs in men is crucial because their symptoms and underlying causes can differ from those in women. Men’s unique anatomical structures and potential complications, such as prostate issues, make the presentation and management of UTIs distinct. This article will explore the causes, symptoms, and diagnosis of UTIs in men. We'll delve into why men are affected differently, the specific symptoms they may experience, and the diagnostic tests typically used to identify these infections. Additionally, we'll discuss effective treatment options and strategies for preventing UTIs to help men manage and reduce their risk of these infections.

Gum disease, medically known as gingivitis, is a prevalent condition affecting millions worldwide. It's essential to understand the fundamentals of gingivitis to maintain optimal oral health and prevent potential complications. Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease, primarily caused by poor oral hygiene habits. When plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, accumulates on the teeth and along the gumline, it can lead to inflammation of the gums. This inflammation is the hallmark of gingivitis and is often accompanied by symptoms such as redness, swelling, and bleeding during brushing or flossing. While gingivitis is common, it's crucial to recognise its significance. If left untreated, it can progress to a more severe form of gum disease called periodontitis, which can result in irreversible damage to the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. Moreover, research has shown potential links between gum disease and other systemic conditions, including heart disease and diabetes, highlighting the importance of maintaining good oral health. Understanding the importance of gum health is key to preventing and managing gingivitis. Maintaining a consistent oral hygiene routine, including brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily, can help remove plaque and prevent its accumulation along the gumline. Additionally, regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings are essential for monitoring oral health and addressing any signs of gum disease early on. In this article, we will delve deeper into the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of gingivitis. By arming yourself with knowledge about gum disease, you can take proactive steps to safeguard your oral health and overall well-being.

Herpes is a viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. There are two common places the herpes virus can be found, near the mouth (oral herpes), which is also commonly known as a cold sore, and around the genitals (genital herpes).) A herpes infection typically starts with a change in sensation - pain or tingling in a particular area - followed by small blisters that burst and leave small painful ulcers. If they are near the vagina, they can cause really nasty pain when going to the toilet. There are two forms of the herpes simplex virus, types 1 and 2. Type 1 is more commonly associated with oral herpes, and type 2 is more commonly associated with genital herpes. Although due to the fact the condition spreads via contact, and aided by oral sex, it is not uncommon to find either type in any location. There is no way to distinguish from symptoms, they present in the same way and require a test to see which type is causing trouble (although the type doesn't change anything clinically - treatment is given depending on where is infected). Oral herpes is commonly acquired in childhood and passed on via skin-to-skin contact, or via contact with fluid in the blisters from the area of infection. Genital herpes is also spread through skin-to-skin contact, including vaginal sex, anal sex and oral sex.

Genital herpes is a common infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types of herpes simplex virus - Type 1 is the usual cause of cold sores around the mouth and also causes about 50% of the cases of genital herpes, and Type 2 usually only causes genital herpes (but can sometimes cause cold sores.) Genital herpes is spread through skin-to-skin contact, including vaginal sex, anal sex and occasionally oral sex, but around 80% of people with genital herpes are unaware they have it. It causes painful blisters on the genitals and the surrounding areas, usually preceded by a tingling sensation and can be most sore the first time you have it. As with many viruses, it can't be eradicated from your system, but symptoms and outbreaks are treatable. See your doctor as soon as possible for confirmation and treatment.

Lupus is shorthand for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and incorporates a collection of symptoms, in an autoimmune disease process that varies in severity. An autoimmune disease means that the body sees certain parts of its own organs as foreign and starts to attack them. In lupus, this is connective tissue, the scaffolding of every part of the body, and made up of cells, fibres and a gel-like substance. It underpins bones, cartilage, blood and fat. Lupus commonly affects the skin, where rashes may develop, particularly in response to sunlight. This can cause a distinctive "butterfly rash", where the nose bridge and both cheeks appear very red, like the symmetrical wings of a butterfly. Other rashes can develop, and skin may be the only system to show signs of SLE. Less commonly, and more seriously, lupus may affect the joints, kidneys, blood vessels, heart, lungs, hair and even mental health. Affecting multiple organs is a more severe form, and flare-ups may come in episodes, lasting a few weeks or months then clear up, only to come again. This is harder to treat, but the symptoms of lupus can be kept at bay by medications. These work to dampen down the immune response. SLE sufferers often complain of tiredness, and this may be the reason they first present to their doctor. Joint pain and swelling, and mouth ulcers are common too.