Alopecia areata
Alopecia areata is a condition which affects the scalp or the beard area, causing clear-cut smooth patches of hair loss.

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Atopic eczema and dermatitis
Eczema and dermatitis are really just different words for the same condition. The main characteristics are of an inflammation of the skin, usually associated with dryness, with skin scales present. The rash is very often itchy, and although it can happen anywhere on the body, common sites include the scalp, behind the knees and the sides of the elbows. It is in the same class of illnesses as asthma and hayfever, and if you or your family members have these conditions, you will be more likely than others to develop eczema.... [More]

Bad breath
Bad breath, or halitosis, arises mainly from the coating of the tongue and the crevices between the teeth and gums. Dental plaque is a substance which settles on the teeth and is made up of dead cells and bacteria. It accumulates rapidly if you don't keep your teeth and gums really clean. The bacteria cause the release of sulphide compounds and it is these compounds are responsible for the smell. If you think you clean your teeth well already, try using some of the plaque demonstrating tablets that they use in schools to show kids where to brush their teeth. You may be in for a shock... [More]

Carbon monoxide poisoning
Students should be aware of the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning which still claims the lives of up to 50 people per year and injures four times this number. Some people are left with permanent neurological damage. Diagnosis can be difficult, as symptoms are vague and indistinct. They include.... [More]

Chlamydia
Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the UK. With the number of infected continuing to rise Chlamydia is fast becoming an epidemic, especially in the under 25s. In 2009 88% of women and 69% of men diagnosed were under 25... [More]

Crabs - Pubic Lice
Pubic lice is most commonly a sexually transmitted infection. It can also be spread by close contact without full sexual intercourse.
The insect (Phthirus pubis) has claws and resembles a crab. It uses the claws to grip onto the pubic hair. The lice can also be found on other any body hair eg the armpits, chest, beard, thighs and even the eyelashes.... [More]

Ensuring students are under no illusions when it comes to gas safety
It’s that time of year again, thousands of students across the country are moving into their new houses for the start of the new university year. However, not all digs are up to scratch and many students are more concerned about where their next pint is coming from rather than how safe their new pad is.... [More]

Meningitis - commonly asked questions
What are the symptoms to watch for, with meningitis? How common is the organism that causes meningitis? What causes some people to become very ill from this organism?... [More]

Sweating
We all sweat. It is an important aspect of the body’s cooling system. However, approximately 1% of the population suffer with excessive sweating hyperhydrosis.
Hyperhidrosis usually occurs on the hands, face, feet and under the arms. It can cause a great deal of embarrassment, particularly if you have a job where you are regularly meeting people and need to shake hands..... [More]