Medical dictionary

What is a skin infection?   There many types of skin infection. The skin is the largest organ of the body and protects the body from infection. It too can become infected by germs, which can leave your skin itchy, or with a rash, or pus and fluid leaking out, or sores that look like blisters.     Some of the most common skin infections include: &nbs

What are skin tags, and how harmful are they?Skin tags are small benign growths that can hang from your skin. They are relatively common and are not harmful. However, some people with skin tags prefer to have them removed if they do not like their appearance, or if they are located in a place that causes irritation (e.g. near bra straps, or on the neck close to jewell

What is a smear test? A smear test, also known as a cervical screening test, checks for the human papillomavirus (HPV) and any abnormal changes to the cells of the cervix. Having abnormal cells can sometimes develop into cervical cancer, so identifying and treating them early can help prevent this from happening.   Who needs to have a smear test? Anyone with a cervix between the a

What is smoking cessation? Smoking cessation, or ‘quitting’, as it is more commonly referred to, is the process in which someone stops smoking tobacco. Tobacco contains an addictive substance called nicotine, which means the process of quitting can be very difficult for the individual, as they can experience withdrawal symptoms, just like in any other addiction.   Why

What is sports medicine? Sports medicine is a speciality that deals with injuries sustained during exercise, sports participation and other types of physical activity. Sports medicine specialists help injured patients regain strength and movement after injury and also focus on the prevention of injuries that derive from practising sports. Their various roles include care, nutritional advice, di

What is stress? Stress is often defined as the way you feel when you are under a great deal of pressure. This can be work pressure, pressure within the family, money problems, or relationship stress, or it can be a cumulation of more than one of these things. Stress is normal, and is the body’s reaction to a situation, especially one that requires a physical, mental or emotional response

What is a tension headache? A tension-type headache (TTH) or tension headache is the most common type of headache. It is often felt behind the eyes, in the temples, forehead, and neck, radiating from the lower back of the head. It is described as a pressure or tightness and causes persistent, mild-to-moderate dull pain. Are some people more prone to tension headaches? Tension hea

What is testosterone?   Testosterone is a sex hormone present in both women and men, although in different amounts. In women, testosterone is produced by the ovaries and the adrenal glands.   Testosterone plays an important role in women’s health by: maintaining a healthy hormonal balance maintaining sexual function  

What is testosterone replacement therapy?  Testosterone replacement therapy, also called TRT, is prescribed to men who produce low levels of the hormone and suffer from symptoms as a result. It is one of many hormone treatments, that involves replenishing the levels with exogenous (artificial) testosterone.   Testosterone is the main sex and anabolic (muscle building) hormone,