Pharmacy knowledge base
Health guides & medicine information
Plain-English explainers from our editorial team — what the medicines do, how the strengths differ, and how to use them safely.
Showing 217–228 of 287 guides
Page 19 of 24
Cellulitis: Recognising a Bacterial Skin Infection Early
Summary: Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the deeper skin and tissue, usually on the lower legs, causing red, swollen, warm and tender skin that spreads. It doesn't clear on its own and is almost always treated with antibiotics, so see a doctor promptly. Get urgent help, calling 112 if needed, for fever, rapid spread or feeling very unwell.
Impetigo: A Common and Contagious Skin Infection
Summary: Impetigo is a common, very contagious bacterial skin infection, mostly in children. It causes red sores around the nose and mouth that burst into honey-coloured crusts. It is usually not serious. Localised patches are treated with an antiseptic or antibiotic cream, widespread cases with antibiotic tablets. Don't share towels, and keep children off school until advised.
Dental Abscess: Why It Always Needs a Dentist
Summary: A dental abscess is a pocket of pus from a bacterial infection in or around a tooth, causing throbbing pain, swelling and sensitivity. It won't heal on its own, and antibiotics alone don't cure it: a dentist must drain it, do root canal treatment or remove the tooth. Get emergency help for swelling that affects breathing or swallowing.
Fever in Adults: What It Means and When to Act
Summary: A fever is a temporary rise in body temperature, usually the body fighting an infection, and in healthy adults it is rarely dangerous in itself. Most are viral and settle with rest, fluids and paracetamol or ibuprofen if needed. Get urgent help for a stiff neck, a rash that doesn't fade under pressure, confusion or breathing difficulty.
Antibiotics in Pregnancy: Safety, Cautions and Advice
Summary: Some infections in pregnancy, such as urinary tract infections, need antibiotics to protect parent and baby. Many antibiotics, including penicillins, are widely used and generally considered suitable, while others are usually avoided at certain stages. A doctor or midwife should always choose the medicine, based on the infection, stage of pregnancy, allergies and breastfeeding.
Antibiotic Allergies Explained: Penicillin, Sulfa and Safety
Summary: A true antibiotic allergy is an immune reaction such as hives, swelling or breathing difficulty; nausea or an upset stomach is usually a side effect. Penicillins and sulfonamides are among the antibiotics most often linked to allergy. Swelling of the face or throat, or trouble breathing, is an emergency: call 112.
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When to See a Doctor About an Infection
Summary: Most everyday infections, such as colds, sore throats and mild stomach upsets, are viral and clear with rest and fluids. Contact a doctor or pharmacist if symptoms aren't improving, a fever lasts more than three days, redness spreads, or you are pregnant, frail or immunocompromised. Call 112 for breathing difficulty, confusion or a non-fading rash.
Sinus Infection or Common Cold? How to Tell the Difference
Summary: A cold usually clears within one to two weeks, while sinusitis tends to linger with more focused facial pain and pressure. That pain sits around the cheeks, eyes or forehead. Both are mostly viral, so antibiotics rarely help. Symptoms that improve and then suddenly worsen can suggest a bacterial sinus infection; coloured mucus alone does not.
Sleep Stages Explained: Understanding Your Nightly Cycle
Summary: A typical night contains four to six sleep cycles, each moving through light sleep, deep slow-wave sleep and REM dreaming sleep. Deep sleep supports physical repair and immune function, while REM sleep supports memory and emotional processing. That is why broken sleep leaves you groggy, and why a regular schedule matters as much as total hours.
Napping: The Pros, Cons and How to Do It Well
Summary: A short nap early in the afternoon can restore alertness, mood and concentration, especially if you are temporarily short of sleep. Long or late naps can cause grogginess and make it harder to sleep at night. Keep naps brief and well before evening, and see a doctor if you regularly need to nap despite sleeping enough.
Snoring: Common Causes and What Can Help
Summary: Snoring happens when relaxed tissues in the throat vibrate as air passes. It is more likely when you sleep on your back, have a blocked nose, carry extra weight or drink alcohol. Sleeping on your side, treating congestion and avoiding alcohol before bed often help. Loud snoring with gasps or pauses can signal sleep apnoea.
Insomnia and Anxiety: Breaking the Cycle
Summary: Anxiety and insomnia feed each other: worry keeps the body alert at night, and poor sleep makes worry harder to manage the next day. Easing either side helps the other. A regular sleep schedule, a wind-down routine, getting up if you can't sleep, relaxation techniques and cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia break the cycle.