Parasites are organisms that survive by living off another organism, known as a 'host'. Parasite infections are more common in tropical parts of the world, and include malaria and gut infections, like giardiasis.


Parasitic hookworm Ancylosoma (credit - Dr_Microbe)

parasite-infection

Toxoplasmosis

Barefoot on beach

What is cutaneous larva migrans?

Roundworm

Schistosomiasis (bilharzia)

Hookworm infection

Threadworms

Toxocariasis

Tape Worm (Diphyllobothrium latum)

Malaria is an infectious disease that's passed to humans by infected mosquito. Symptoms, such as muscle aches and being sick, tend to develop days or weeks after you've been bitten by a mosquito. Malaria is a serious infection that needs urgent treatment.  


Mosquito sitting on human skin

malaria

Malaria

Skin infections are caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. They can lead to skin changes, like a rash, redness, pain and swelling. Some skin infections clear up on their own, while others need treatment.


Woman scratching a red patch of skin on her hand

Woman scratching a red patch of skin on her hand (credit - ipopba)

skin-infections

Scabies

Thinking of getting a vagina piercing? Discover the facts, including how to get it done safely. 

healthy-sex-life

Vagina and clit piercings: how to choose the one for you

Do you ever get an itchy mouth or throat after eating certain plant foods? It might be oral allergy syndrome – we look at how to manage it.

allergies

Oral allergy syndrome: spot signs and find out what can help

If you have hay fever, insect stings or animal allergies and nothing works to control your severe symptoms, immunotherapy could help. Find out how it works and whether it’s right for you. 

Immunotherapy for allergies: could it work for you?

You don’t have to put up with hay fever symptoms while you’re pregnant: our guide helps you find the best medication and natural remedies to suit you.

hay-fever

Hay fever in pregnancy: which treatments are safe?

Thyroid cancer is rare and usually very treatable. Here are the key thyroid cancer symptoms, who is most at risk of developing it and how it’s treated.

thyroid-cancer

Thyroid cancer: signs to look for, treatments and how to cope with a diagnosis

An overactive thyroid produces too many thyroid hormones. Symptoms include anxiety, tiredness and weight loss.

thyroid-disease

Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism): who gets it and how to deal with it

Rain reduces the pollen count. Hay fever isn’t a serious condition. Fact or fiction? We sort through some of the common myths about hay fever, to help you manage your symptoms.

Fact or fiction? 9 hay fever myths busted 

Does music help you drift off? Is your phone light destroying your slumber? Read our useful tips for the best night's sleep, backed by science.

insomnia

10 science-based sleep tips that really work

Which hay fever home remedies are worth trying? From hay fever wipes and sprays to essential oils and air purifiers, we review what the science says. 


Natural remedies for hay fever: what works and doesn’t

If you’re struggling to sleep night after night, there are proven ways to sort insomnia, whether you’re having a short bout of sleep problems or you have chronic insomnia.

Parasite infections