Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) is a common fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet. It usually causes itching, redness, and flaking of the skin, and in some cases, the skin may crack, peel, or form blisters. The infection most often appears between the toes, where moisture builds up, but it can also spread … Read more
Jock itch (also called tinea cruris) is a common fungal skin infection that usually affects the groin, inner thighs, and buttocks. It is caused by a type of fungus known as dermatophytes, which live on the outer layer of the skin, hair, and nails. The main fungi responsible are Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and Epidermophyton … Read more
Ringworm (also called dermatophytosis or tinea) is a common fungal infection that affects the outer layer of the skin, the scalp, and the nails. It is caused by a group of fungi known as dermatophytes, mainly from the genera Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton. Despite its name, ringworm is not caused by a worm. The term … Read more
Periodontitis is a long-term disease of the gums that causes gradual damage to the soft tissues and the bone that hold teeth in place. It is the most severe stage of gum disease, developing after gingivitis, and is one of the main causes of tooth loss in adults worldwide. The disease is mainly caused by … Read more
Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a viral disease that affects both animals and humans, mainly in Africa and the Middle East. It is caused by the Rift Valley fever virus, which belongs to the same group of viruses that include other insect-borne diseases. The virus spreads mostly through the bites of infected mosquitoes, especially species … Read more
Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), also called human herpesvirus 4 (HHV-4), is a member of the herpesvirus family. It is one of the most common viruses in humans, with about 90–95% of people worldwide becoming infected at some point in their lives. The virus spreads mainly through saliva, but it can also be transmitted through blood transfusions … Read more
Septic arthritis is a serious joint infection that occurs when bacteria, or less commonly other microbes, enter the joint space. This causes inflammation, which leads to sudden pain, swelling, warmth, and difficulty moving the joint. The knee is most often affected, but the hip, shoulder, ankle, and wrist can also be involved. While it can … Read more
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that happens when the body overreacts to an infection releasing chemicals into the bloodstream. This overreaction causes widespread inflammation, which can damage tissues, harm organs, and, if not treated quickly, lead to death. Sepsis affects millions of people around the world every year and is one of the main causes … Read more
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare but serious illness caused by poisons (toxins) released by certain bacteria, most often Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. It was first identified in 1978 and became widely known in the early 1980s after being linked to the use of super-absorbent tampons. TSS develops quickly and can cause high … Read more
Acne is a common chronic skin condition characterized by the presence of comedones (blackheads and whiteheads), papules, pustules, nodules, and, in some cases, permanent scarring. It primarily occurs in areas rich in sebaceous glands, including the face, chest, and back. The condition is strongly associated with the bacterium Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes), which promotes … Read more