Blisters

Blisters form in response to friction or pressure on the skin. Many need only simple care; others may be a symptom of disease and need to be treated by your GP.

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Shingles — infographic

Shingles is a viral infection that causes a painful blistering rash. This infographic provides you with information on the symptoms, treatments and vaccination.

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Impetigo

Impetigo, or school sores, is a highly contagious skin infection that causes sores and blisters. It's very common and affects mainly children.

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Cold sores

Cold sores are blister-like spots that appear in or around the mouth. Find out about prevention, common triggers, treatment and self-care options.

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Mouth sores and ulcers (canker sores)

An ulcer is a common type of mouth sore. It can make everyday tasks like teeth brushing, talking, eating and drinking feel uncomfortable.

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Genital herpes

Genital herpes spreads by skin-to-skin contact, like kissing or foreplay. Learn how to prevent the spread of the virus and what to do if you catch it.

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Hand, foot and mouth disease

Hand, foot and mouth disease is a common viral illness mainly affecting children under 10 years old but sometimes affecting older children and adults.

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Chickenpox (varicella)

Chickenpox is a mild childhood illness, that can also occur in adults. It is occasionally serious. Here's how you can prevent catching chickenpox.

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Shingles

Shingles is a painful rash caused by the chickenpox virus. Here's how to recognise the symptoms, prevent shingles and get the best treatment for you.

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Smallpox

Smallpox is a highly infectious disease, eradicated worldwide by successful vaccination. Read about prevention and its relationship to monkeypox.

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Contact dermatitis

Inflammation of the skin is commonly termed eczema or dermatitis. It can be effectively managed with treatment – find out how.

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Burns and scalds

Burns are common and causes include sunburn, scalds from hot water and chemical burns. Read about the symptoms of and treatment options for burns.

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Staph skin infection

Learn more about staph skin infections including cellulitis and impetigo. Find out how to prevent them, how they’re treated, and when to get help.

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School exclusion periods

If your child has an infectious illness, you may need to keep them home to stop it spreading at daycare or school. Learn about school exclusion periods here.

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Frostbite

Frostbite develops when your skin freezes after exposure to very low temperatures. You can greatly reduce your risk of frostbite if you prepare properly.

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Breast cysts

Breast cysts are benign bubbles of fluid in the breast. It’s important to know how to recognise them and what to look for if you suspect a lump is not benign.

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Sunburn and sun protection

All people are at risk of sunburn, and young children can get seriously burnt in less than 30 minutes. Here's how to avoid and treat sunburn.

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Heat rash

Heat rash, also called sweat rash and prickly heat, is harmless but very itchy, with small red spots in places where sweat collects. Find out more about and how to treat it.

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Tinea

Tinea is a common fungal skin infection. Learn about the causes, types - such as athlete's foot and jock itch - and tinea treatment and symptoms.

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Itchy skin

Itchy skin, or pruritis, is a common irritation that can be very frustrating. Understand the different types of itchy skin and how to ease the discomfort.

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Monkeypox

Monkeypox is a rare infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It's related to the virus that causes smallpox and while symptoms are usually mild, it can be serious.

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Creating a calming, helpful home for people with dementia

A soothing, calming atmosphere is helpful for everybody. For a person with dementia, it can help minimise their confusion and help them to concentrate and rest.

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Pressure sores and ulcers

Pressure ulcers (or bed sores) develop when skin is damaged due to constant pressure or friction –changing position regularly can help prevent pressure ulcers.

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Cellulitis

Cellulitis is an infection of your skin and the tissues directly beneath it. It often affects your lower leg, but can occur on any part of your body.

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Group A streptococcal disease

Group A streptococcal disease is a bacterial infection generally treated with antibiotics. Symptoms include a sore throat and skin sores. Learn more here.

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Porphyria

Porphyria is caused by problems with red blood cells. It has a wide range of symptoms making it hard to diagnose. Learn how it's managed and treated.

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Nappy rash

Nappy rash is a common skin condition that happens to babies under 2. They are usually easily treated and won't cause long term problems. Find out more here.

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Insect bites and stings

Most insect bites will clear up in a day or two, although some people can have severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis). Learn more about insect bites and how to handle allergic reactions.

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Skin cancer and melanoma

Skin cancer and melanoma occurs when skin cells grow abnormally, usually from too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.

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Chemical burns – first aid and treatment

Many chemicals can cause serious burns to the skin, which should be treated as a medical emergency. Learn how to perform first aid for chemical burns.

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