Health Conditions

Sunburn

Sunburn is skin damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays. It usually causes the skin to become red, sore, warm, tender and occasionally itchy for about a week.

Superficial thrombophlebitis

Phlebitis literally means 'inflammation of a vein'.

Surgery planner

If you are considering having an operation or your GP has suggested you may need surgery, this guide is for you.

SVT (supraventricular tachycardia)

Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is an abnormally fast heart rate of over 100 heartbeats a minute.

Swallowing pills (problems)

Ifyou or someone you care for struggles to swallow pills, you should discuss it with your doctor or pharmacist.

Swallowing problems

Dysphagia is the medical term for swallowing difficulties. Some people with dysphagia have problems swallowing certain foods or liquids, while others can't swallow at all.

Sweat rash

Prickly heat, also known asmiliaria rubra,is an itchy rash of small, raised red spots that causes a stinging or prickling sensation on the skin.

Swelling or lump

Most lumps and swellings under the skin are harmless and can be left alone. However, see your GP ifyou develop anew lump or swelling so that the cause can be identified.

Swimmer's ear

Otitis externa is a condition that causes inflammation (redness and swelling) of the external ear canal, which isthe tube between the outer ear and eardrum.

Swollen ankles

Oedema is abuild up of fluid in the body which causes the affected tissue to become swollen .

Swollen glands

Swollen lymph glands are usually a sign of infection and tend to go down when you recover.However, they can sometimes have a more serious cause and may need to be seen by a doctor.

Synaesthesia

Synaesthesia is a condition where a sensation in one of the senses, such as hearing, triggers a sensation in another, such as taste.

Syncope

Fainting (syncope) is a sudden temporary loss of consciousness that usually results in a fall. When you faint, you'll feel weak and unsteady before passing out for a short period o…

Syphilis

Syphilis is a bacterial infection that's usually caught by having sex with someone who's infected.

Syringomyelia

Syringomyelia is a condition characterized by a fluid-filled cavity or cyst known as a syrinx that forms within the spinal cord. Syringomyelia is a chronic condition and a syrinx c…

Systemic lupus erythematosus

Lupus is a complex and poorly understood condition that affects many parts of the body.The symptomscan range from mild to life-threatening.

Talipes

Club foot is a deformity of the foot and ankle that babies can be born with. The position and function of the foot can be greatly improved, if treated early .

Tamiflu

Find out about the history of swine flu (H1N1) and what the current situation is.

Tapeworm infections

Tapeworms are parasites that can live in a person's intestine (bowel). They don't always cause symptoms and when they do they are often mistaken for another illness.

Tay-Sachs disease

Tay-Sachs disease is arare and usually fatal genetic disorder that causes progressive damage to the nervous system.

Teeth grinding

Bruxism (BRUK-siz-um) is a condition in which you grind, gnash or clench your teeth.

Telogen effluvium

Alopecia is the general medical term for hair loss. There are many types of hair loss with different symptoms and causes.

Temporal arteritis

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a conditionin whichmediumand large arteries, usually in the head and neck, become inflamed.

Temporomandibular joint disorder

Temporomandibular disorder (TMD)is a problem affecting the 'chewing' muscles and the jointsbetween the lower jaw and the base of the skull.