Skin

There are a wide variety of germs that can cause skin infections. The most common conditions are caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

The skin is your first barrier of protection from the outside world. It should keep the moisture in and infections out. Usually this works well, but..

Skin cancer begins when the skin cells are damaged and become cancerous. 90% of skin cancers are caused by too much exposure to the sun.

Dry skin – it’s a common winter thing At this time of year, as winter kicks in, I frequently talk to people asking for help to relieve dry skin. ..

The condition of your skin can tell you a lot about your state of health, even your state of mind. Most skin problems happen either when...

Skin is your barrier against the outside world. It protects your organs and immune system from bacteria and disease...

When skin problems are unsettling your baby you can usually see what you’re dealing with and can closely monitor the progress.

When the temperature drops and the skies turn grey, it's easy to feel like slowing down – which is a is completely natural instinct.

After surgery & hospital discharge, your recovery truly begins—one of the most important things you can do is closely monitor your health.

And Why Mobility AND Flexibility Might Just Be the Secret to Longevity

Crohn’s & IBD affect the digestive system, causing inflammation and discomfort in parts of the gut, and can have a big impact on daily life.

If you’ve never made your own nut milk before, this is the one to start with as it’s super-straightforward!

May 19th is World Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Day — a global moment to raise awareness and understanding of IBD.

If you’ve ever felt bloated, sluggish, or a little off in the belly, chances are your digestive system is in need of Fibre.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) can happen at any age after puberty, but most women don't find out they have it until...

Why is it that some people only need to very little and they lose weight, while for others it can be a huge challenge?

Ah, summer! There’s something about long, sunny days that makes you want to fill your plate with the freshest, most colourful ingredients.

We’re through the indulgent Christmas season and can now welcome the slower-paced warm days, ripe with opportunities for delicious picnics.

Not surprisingly, sciatica and other types of back pain flare-up most often in the summer when people get outside and more active.

Summertime, when the living is easy... and so should be your summer snacks! Chill out in the heat this summer with these 5 fresh ideas...

As more people head outdoors to garden during the warmer months, there is a corresponding risk of contracting two soil-borne diseases...

Turmeric stains are notoriously difficult to remove, so is essential to act quickly when it comes into contact with fabric, countertops etc.

Did you know your lips can burn just like your skin? This is why it's important to help protect them while you're out enjoying the sun.

Spring is here, and with it, the natural urge to refresh, reset, and renew. But before you hop into the latest detox craze....

I love waking up to liquid sunshine in a glass with these vibrant morning shots! They’re my gentle spring detox go-to to start my day.

From 1 October 2024, Pharmac will fund a range of continuous glucose monitors & insulin pumps for all people with certain types of Diabetes.

The average female typically menstruates for 30-40 years – approx 450 menstrual cycles! The environmental impact of this is staggering....

This salad is literally the easiest throw-together dish if you have little time to make something impressive to take to a BBQ....

Circadian rhythm is the name given to the physical, mental and behavioural patterns that occur in our bodies over 24-hours.

30 years ago there was a higher risk of contracting TSS through the use of tampons. Should I be worried about it these days?

Do you know what sepsis is and would you recognise its symptoms?

Did you know that human beings are among only a handful of animal species that cannot produce their own supply of Vitamin C?

Your hands and feet go through a lot on a daily basis. That’s why it’s important to take good care of your hands and feet...

Gut health is a cornerstone of overall well-being and the foundation of good health for our little ones. A child's gut health.....

Through our lips, we say or first words and we experience our first kiss, but lips are sensitive and can become vulnerable.

Nappy rash (irritant dermatitis) can make babies and toddlers quite miserable, unsettled and irritated. Find out how you can prevent it.

Introducing your little one to the world of solids is an exciting milestone for both you and your baby.

Once blessed with the responsibility of nurturing a precious new life, it is natural that many new parents start exploring the benefits of..

Testosterone is a sex hormone essential for both men & women.

Achieve the maximum health benefit from this high absorption and high dose immune support supplement.

In my mind, nothing is as inspiring, energising, and enlightening as travel. The anticipation, the journey....

It is normal to shed skin from your scalp, but there are two common scalp conditions that cause the skin cells of the scalp to shed quickly.

Anaphylaxis is the most severe form of an allergy and can be life-threatening. It occurs when the immune system overreacts to a substance...

Fleas are the most common external parasite in dogs & cats.

Scabies is a common skin condition which results in a red, intensely itchy rash. It's a highly contagious condition, and can spread easily.

Head lice infestation is a common problem particularly among children. 

The term Dermatitis is used to describe a number of skin irritations and rashes characterised by inflammation of the skin. 

Live Brave Mana Ora Do Blue Day aims to raise awareness and support for young Kiwis with Type 1 diabetes.

The health statistics for New Zealand men aren’t ideal…one in four Kiwi men die before they reach retirement age.

Your smile and the appearance of your teeth and mouth are important factors in making a good first impression.

Hot and cold exposure therapy has hurtled in to the trendy wellness stratosphere with people like Gwyneth Paltrow, Kim Kardashian etc.

From the 12th of September 2023 some significant changes to cervical screening services in New Zealand will take place.

“If you do not make time for your wellness, you will be forced to make time for your illness.”

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection is thought to be the most commonly sexually transmitted disease in the world.

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient, meaning that the human body can’t make all of its requirements on its own and has to get it other ways.

If you thought summer was the worst time for dry, chapped lips, think again. Winter can actually be the time more of us suffer...

There is good news for those unable to access or afford healthcare for minor health conditions. 

Medicinal cannabis or ‘medical marijuana’ is the term used to refer to all forms of cannabis used in the treatment of medical conditions or dise..

Many would vouch that potatoes are the ultimate comfort food. Baked, fried, boiled, mashed, sliced or diced, they’re also the ultimate in convenie..

These days, supermarkets are open 7 days a week and sometimes even 24 hours a day.

Ok, so first things first, I want to clear a little something up before I dive into the “superfood” Lucuma. The health world has been abuzz with..

In the New Zealand workforce there are approximately 400,000 women in the menopause age bracket, and in a recent study it was revealed that 70% of t..

#vegan #dairyfree #glutenfree This magnificent magenta-colored hummus has both the looks and the substance and sustenance to back the beauty!..

Nature’s One-Stop Shop How lucky are we to inhabit the lush landscape that is Aotearoa New Zealand, a veritable smorgasbord of rich nutrien..

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition causing facial redness that looks like a blush or sunburn, and doesn’t go away. It affects the ti..

Our everyday lifestyle choices can benefit us physically and mentally. Choosing healthier habits will lead to a longer, happier life. Plus it will low..

Over 400 New Zealanders die from one of five gynaecological cancers every year, and most women don’t know that some of these exist.

The pancreas is a small, pear-shaped gland located in the abdomen. It produces enzymes that help with the digestion of food. It also produces hormon..

All human brains are powerful, magnificent and unique. Neurodiversity is a term used to describe the way some of our unique brains work – thinking..

There are several types of hepatitis. They have letters for their names: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C. They all affect your liver. H..

Spring is here and with it, finally warmer, drier, sunny weather. It’s time to take the opportunity and get outdoors, and with that, a reminder to..

#vegan #glutenfree A rich, silky mousse that tastes like Jaffas…but is healthy?! It sounds too good to be true, but in this vegan mousse, y..

So. Here we are (almost) post-pandemic, having spent the better part of 2 1/2 years attempting to arm ourselves every which way to ward off the drea..

We need to think about protecting young and old from being burns all year round.

I’m not going to beat around the bush about this winter and bugs. You can chill out now thanks colds and flus! We get it…you’re back, seemingl..

The thyroid gland and the importance of iodine The thyroid is a gland at the base of your neck. It produces thyroid hormones like T4 and T3. ..

Ok, guilty! As a little girl sometimes I did want a pumpkin to turn into a carriage fit for a Princess and sweep me off to a glamourous ball! But wi..

Folliculitis is the name given to a skin condition that happens when the hair follicles get inflamed. It starts as small, red bumps...

Iron is a very important mineral in the body as every cell needs it to function healthily. The medical name for low iron levels is anaemia which mea..

"Drink more water” is one of the most fundamental guidelines in the pool of health advice splashed around our everyday lives. Water makes up about..

Sugar sure has been in the spotlight in recent times, and not for being a superstar or superfood! The sweet stuff has been coming under scrutiny int..

A delightfully light and fruity summer smoothie. The addition of marine collagen powder is optional in this beauty, but research suggests that addin..

Our body’s way of cooling us down when we get hot, stressed or after exercising is to sweat. Sweat is a weak, salty solution produced in sweat gla..

The world has been plagued by pandemics as far back as written history and beyond. Countries have responded over the centuries by closing their bord..

In the pharmacy we usually see the first lot of people with sunburn at Labour weekend. It is like we all forgot that sun was hot during winter and h..

As a Naturopath, it’s not uncommon for me to hear from clients that they have a hard time fitting in the daily recommended portions of fruits and ..

Chicken pox is a common childhood disease caused by the varicella virus. It causes small itchy blisters to form on the skin and also makes people fe..

We all need a quick pick-me-up every now and then when life feels a little arduous, boring, stressful, or even just a bit Groundhog day-ish (we’re..

Natural bee pollen has long had health enthusiasts buzzing with excitement (and vitality)! Bee pollen is a coarse powder-like material produced by t..

Hopefully the holidays put a stop to the head lice cycle at your child’s school. If you are one of the unlucky ones, the frustrating, time-consumi..

1 in 4 New Zealanders experience incontinence.1 It can be embarrassing, stressful and can stop you from going out...

Urinary incontinence is the loss of bladder control. There are different causes but the end result is wet pants and often embarrassment.

These herby blanched almonds are sure to be a hit with all, and cover many essential successful snack elements; salty, crunchy, more-ish...

Middle ear infections (also known as otitis media) occur when there is inflammation or infection of the air-filled space behind the eardrum. The inf..

Whooping cough is caused by a bacteria called Bordetella pertussis that infects the lungs and airways. It's very contagious...

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is an ancient, vibrant yellow spice traditionally used in Indian and Asian cooking as far back as 2,000 BC. The revered spi..

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) are used to relieve pain in long and short-term conditions, including arthritis...

The health and beauty industry is full of temptation. There is a constant stream of new products promising longer lashes, brighter smiles...

Veins are part of our cardiovascular system whose function it is to move blood and transport nutrients to the cells in our body.

Many people are asking about the COVID vaccines and are keen to understand how these work and if they are safe. First we need to understand t..

Also known as impetigo, school sores are a common bacterial infection mainly affecting school-age children and more common in warmer months of the y..

There will be many parents familiar with the seal-like bark of croup and its alarming tendency to hit children in the early hours of the morning. Wh..

What can we do to keep ourselves healthy and protect ourselves from respiratory infections like COVID, common cold and the flu?

Now that summer is finally here, prickly heat or sweat rash can sometimes make life a little uncomfortable. When we are hot, our bodies activate our..

The human body contains over 160 bursae, whose function is to provide a thin cushion between surfaces such as tendons, muscles, ligaments and skin a..

Lips are an important part of our body, but we can easily forget to look after them. It is only when they are damaged that we pay them some attentio..

With a worldwide rise in the popularity of holistic health, it’s little wonder that we are turning to the East for inspiration in the quest to opt..

Juicing is a fantastic way to squeeze fruits and vegetables into your diet, especially if you typically don't manage to consume your 7+ a day. Fresh..

Warts and verrucas appear as small lumps on the skin and range in size from 1mm up to around 1cm. They can appear on their own or in clusters, with ..

Chilblains (also known as pernio or perniosis) are itchy, sore, red or purple bumps that occur on the skin as a reaction to cold. Painful inflammati..

Most women are familiar with that noxious and heady smell as you open a bottle of nail polish. The anticipation of painting the fashion town red wit..

Our body usually produces antibodies to fight off invaders like viral and bacterial infections. An autoimmune disease is when your immune system tri..

SymptomsNormal skin cells begin deep within the skin. They slowly rise to the surface where they die and fall off. This whole process takes about a ..

The eggplant in this dish is silky smooth inside, coated with a slightly crisp skin, the almonds add crunch, and the raisins burst...

Feeling frequently stressed-out or generally lacking in the energy department? You may be suffering from what is frequently referred to as ‘Adrena..

Do you have problems with smelly feet in summer? So do lots of people. Sweat glands are over most of your body but mainly the palms of the ha..

It is normal to lose between 50 and 100 hairs a day. Even though it may look a lot on your brush, when you consider we have around 100,000 hairs on ..

Akin to the family favorite ‘Nutella’, but without the added sugar (in Nutella, cane sugar is the main ingredient, even before hazelnut).

As a (perhaps slightly odd) kid, chocolate cake really didn't do it for me, no matter if it was Barbie herself who dolled the icing...

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a type of joint inflammation that causes long term pain and may lead to joint deformity.

Many people say “I’ve got the flu” when really they have a cold. While a bad cold can make you feel pretty miserable for a few days, you will ..

Sore throatMost sore throats will not be helped by antibiotics whether they are an infection or not. Most sore throats are caused by a virus. A viru..

Cuts and wounds are a part of life, especially during childhood when falling from trees or tripping on concrete are a rite of passage.

We all have bacteria growing all over our skin. The skin is the first line of protection to keep the bacteria out of our bodies. When you get a cut ..

Pregnant women are beautiful. Bumps, lumps, hormonal pimples and all. It’s a miraculous time and a woman’s body is doing an incredible thing, gr..

With the latest measles outbreak people are asking their local pharmacists questions about measles: How do I catch it? What are the symptoms ..

Chat to most acne sufferers, and they’ll most likely tell you that it is a complicated condition to treat and often a stressful journey trying to ..

Allergic rhinitis is the most common allergic disorder in both Australia and New Zealand and affects 10 to 20% of the world’s population. While no..

Sunny summer days have meant lots of swimming and therefore more ‘swimmers ear’. We have also seen more people coming into the pharmacy asking f..

Pecan pie is a classic dessert that I admit to being pretty nervous about 'messing' with. Pecan pie purists will think I'm nuts for creating this stap..

Ahhh summer, here at last. Long sunny days, bare feet, beach swims and staying up late to roast marshmallows after dark. All things that make wonderfu..

Oral contraceptive pills have been available since the 1960’s as a way for women to prevent pregnancy and have control of their fertility. They were..

Shingles is a painful skin rash caused by the same virus that causes chicken pox. Anyone who has had chicken pox could get shingles.

As the weather continues to become warmer we see more people coming into the pharmacy to ask for help with their fungal infections. Fungi are like mus..

The technical description of menopause is "a point in time 12 months after a woman's last period”. The time of life this happens can vary but it usu..

Vitamin C – it’s the vitamin we’ve all heard of and we all know we need it in our diet to stay healthy. But what does it actually do and why do ..

When it comes to treating the pain and inflammation caused by arthritis, a whole-body approach is the best plan of attack. Taking drugs to help minimi..

Acne is a very common skin condition – in fact most people will be affected by it at some stage in their lives.

New science around probiotics proves that the bacteria (or bugs) that live in your intestine have a huge impact on the function of your body and your ..

Not drinking enough water can lead to dehydration, which can cause fatigue, headaches, skin problems, muscle cramps, low blood pressure...

To me, a polenta pizza base is infinitely tastier than your standard flour-based pizza. It's also a tonne easier than trying to make your own 'traditi..

Winter sport season is a time to consider concussion.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, affecting around 90% of New Zealand diabetes sufferers. With type 2 diabetes, the pancreas produc..

Shingles is a disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. Shingles affects the nerve endings...

For many of us, a sunny, warm summer is exciting. Getting outside and enjoying summer is part of being a kiwi. I’m all for that as long as we also r..

This little honey is as dreamy as she sounds. Delicately sweetened, moist & decadently rich... Yet without refined sugar, gluten or dairy!

Pharmacists across New Zealand are raising awareness of medicine safety this month. It’s all part of National Patient Safety Week which is being hel..

Feeling a little under the weather? Can’t put your finger on what is causing a seemingly random collection of symptoms?

Ingredients  Relish ¾ cup Ocean Spray® Reduced Sugar Craisins® Dried Cranberries 1 cup Ocean Spray® Cranberry Classic™ or Light Cranberry F..

This winter looks set to be one to remember although maybe not for reasons we'd like to remember it. As well as setting weather records, notably for c..

If you haven’t caught up – and you have a teenage lad in your household – NEWS FLASH – the HPV vaccine is now funded free for the blokes. T..

I was recently reading an article about two mums who had both breastfed their babies, and had quite different experiences. Nothing new there – women..

Poisoning – it’s a major cause of hospitalisation for young children in New Zealand.

Most of us know that we’re more likely to get a cold, sore throat, flu or other virus in winter.  But did you know that the chilly temperatures and..

Firstly, pine ‘nuts’ are not actually nuts but are in fact the edible seeds from about 20 different species of pine cones.

Let’s talk threadworms. Something most children are likely to get at some time during their life – especially between the ages of 5-14yrs.

You’d be hard pressed to walk into a supermarket these days without spotting the words ‘Gluten-Free’ proudly positioned on packaging, jumping ou..

Every time I set off for an outdoor adventure, I think about how lucky we are in New Zealand that we don’t have real nasties.

We’re about to set off on another family hiking adventure.  For the last few summers we’ve done a multi-day hike somewhere around New Zealand enj..

Written by: Jenny Cade In my last blog I wrote about a recent personal experience with a mole that had to be removed because it could become a mela..

Earlier this year, I had a skin cancer check i.e. a specially qualified doctor ‘inspected’ my body to check for anything that already was or might..

If you’re like me and have only just heard about the Shakti Mat, you might be wondering what all the fuss is about!

Pregnancy is an amazing journey but certain stages can make for a fairly bumpy ride! Most of the discomforts that occur during pregnancy are the resul..

It's one of the basics we all need to teach our kids - how to wash your hands. That and brushing your teeth, how to use the toilet and saying please a..

Skin is made up of different layers and substances which make it supple and tough and allow it to stretch. But sometimes skin is broken...

Threadworms look like small pieces of white cotton, about 1 cm long. The most common sign of threadworm infection is an itchy bottom.

Regular Health Checklist for Women: Breast health check...

Instructions for taking medicines differ from one medicine to another and from one person to another...

Chicken pox, measles, mumps, rubella, slap cheek, meningitis...

Varicose veins are caused when valves don't work properly, causing blood to pool and veins to bulge.

There are a number of measures you can take to maintain your health when travelling.

Sunlight damages skin. Areas most exposed (the hands, forearms, face and neck) are the most damaged and this damage can lead to skin cancer.

The ultraviolet radiation (UVR) that gets through the earth’s outer atmosphere is so much stronger at this time of year, causing sunburn...

A stroke occurs when a blood vessel carrying oxygen to the brain leaks or is blocked by a clot...

In our caveman days, stress, also known as the “flight or fright” response, was a self-preservation mechanism triggered by physical danger.

Sprains are the tearing of a ligament. Strains refer to tearing of a muscle or tendon. They often occur together in or around joints...

Commonly, sore throats are viral, resulting from the common cold, glandular fever, measles, chicken pox or whooping cough.

Tobacco is a major cause of cardiovascular disease, and more smokers die of cardiovascular disease than any other cause.

The sinuses are designed to help insulate the skull and make it lighter, as well as provide resonance for our voice.

Seborrhoeic dermatitis, psoriasis of the scalp, contact dermatitis, lichen planus, discoid lupus erythematotus, alopecia...

Just visible to the naked eyes, the pregnant female itch mite Sarcoptes Scabiei burrows a tunnel into the skin of her human host before...

Most commonly, affected skin takes on a scaly appearance with silvery dry, scaly skin flakes forming an angry, red, inflamed patch of skin.

Pain can be felt in one place, like when you cut yourself, or all over your body, such as muscle pain that comes with the flu.

Osteoporosis happens when the bone structure breaks down and they become so weak and brittle that they can easily fracture.

Menopause is the term for when it has been one year since a woman's last period. When the ovaries stop producing oestrogen, this function...

Melanoma is deservedly the most feared of the skin cancers, with nearly 3000 New Zealanders diagnosed every year.

The liver is such a remarkable organ that we cannot live without it performing its many important functions. These include...

Herpes doesn’t deserve the upset it causes. Four out of five New Zealanders have the herpes simplex virus.

Have you woken from your cosy warm bed on a chilly morning to see water dripping down your bedroom windows?

If you find headlice on a child, a suggested treatment plan involves using a combination of insecticide treatment as well as regular combing

Allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to normally harmless substances in the air we breathe and food we eat.

It is normal to lose about 100 hairs a day but sometimes this shedding is faster than usual, leading to thinning hair and baldness.

Gut health is key to overall wellbeing, affecting digestion, immunity, & mood. Here are ways to support a healthy gut & boost your health.

The first joint of the big toe is one of the most commonly affected joints, although gout can affect virtually any joint.

Wellness is eating and moving the way nature intended, keeping stress levels down, avoiding toxins and aiming for balance in all things.

The most common types of fungal infections are caused by a mould-like fungus in the outer layers of the skin, usually on the arms, legs...

Most of the time our feet perform well and we take them for granted. However if we neglect our feet or abuse them...

Eating disorders may be tied up with body image but equally may be a response to stress including sexual, physical and emotional abuse.

Otitis media is by far the most common ear problem. It is the result of an infection or inflammation in the middle ear...

Diabetes is caused by having too much sugar in the blood because the hormone insulin, which normally controls blood sugar levels.

Inflammation of the skin is it’s way of reacting to an irritant or allergen and can occur anywhere in the body.

“I’m a dad and I’m scared. When I say I’m a dad and I’m scared, I really mean: I’m a dad and I’m looking for answers...

There’s a saying that ‘if you’ve got your health, you’ve got everything’. The gist is that your good health is your most important asset.

Today there is a wide range of different contraceptive methods to choose from, each with different benefits.

Cancer is a disease that occurs when abnormal cells divide uncontrollably and start to destroy healthy body tissues.

Each year more than 3000 New Zealand women are diagnosed with breast cancer.

While ants, mossies, sand flies and fleas leave a temporary legacy of maddening itching, wasp and bee stings are usually extremely painful..

Allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to normally harmless substances in the air we breathe and food we eat.