Health information you can trust

Explore clear, trusted advice from UK doctors and experts.

Doctor approved NHS recommended Regularly updated

Our clinical information meets NHS England's Information Standard. Read our editorial policy.

Close up of female hand holding happy and angry face paper, isolated on blue studio background.

Cortisol face - social media myth vs medical reality

Cortisol face has become a popular wellness trend, with the internet offering numerous explanations, diagnoses, and solutions to help us lower our cortisol levels. But what exactly is cortisol? Why does it matter, and can it really affect the appearance of your face? To find out, we asked a Harley Street doctor to explain more about this potentially misunderstood hormone, and how it affects our bodies.

by Hannah Boynton-Forshaw

A close-up of a person's elbow showing a red, inflamed mosquito bite (skeeter syndrome) against a blue background.

Allergies, blood and immune system

What is Skeeter syndrome? When a mosquito bite is more than just an itch

For most people, a mosquito bite is no more than an itchy nuisance. But for some people, a bite can trigger a much more dramatic reaction, with extensive swelling, redness, warmth, and itching that can last for several days. This reaction is known as Skeeter syndrome.

by Heather Ainsworth

Healthcare tools, trackers & calculators

Symptom checker

AskPatient Ai

Drug interaction checker

BMI calculator

Pollen map

Pregnancy due date calculator

Patient Record Access

Sleep debt calculator

Ovulation calculator

Epworth sleepiness scale

Asthma control test (ACT)

Personalised digital habit coaching

View all tools and calculators

Latest features

Ashwagandha plant in a pot with some root next to it.

Diet and nutrition

What is ashwagandha? Health benefits, uses, and side effects

by Heather Ainsworth

rosacea couperose redness skin, red spots on cheeks, young beautiful red-haired woman with sensitive skin, patient face close-up isolated on beige background

Skin, nail and hair health

Common rosacea triggers and how to avoid them

by Lynn Stephen

A wooden seesaw balanced on a cylinder, with pink and green blocks on the left outweighing a single yellow block on the right.

Healthy living

Can you tell how healthy you are from your weight?

by Dr Nienke Lees

Podcasts

Dr Agam Jung: Caring for Rob Burrow & Building the MND Centre

by Matt Jameson & Christine Talbot

Flax seeds spilling out from wooden spoon onto a bright green background.

Diet and nutrition

Flax seeds: a secret weapon for women's health?

by Victoria Raw

Surprised African American woman buried in brightly coloured laundry clothes.

Mental health

What is Swedish death cleaning and how can it benefit you?

by Victoria Raw

Sky Sports presenter Adam Smith against blue background with faded sunshine overlay and blue and white starburst detail.

Diabetes

Adam Smith on mindfulness, mental health, and diabetes

by Victoria Raw

jeans with meter belt slimming on the yellow background. Diet ans slimming concept

Healthy living

What your waist measurement says about your health

by Lynn Stephen

View latest features

Online pharmacy

Simple access to trusted treatments and health services online.

Common conditions

Get help with common conditions through the NHS, without a GP appointment.

Acute sinusitis

Bacterial tonsillitis Impetigo

Insect bites Shingles Urinary tract infection (UTIs)

Book your free Pharmacy First appointment

Mental health

Build healthy habits for every stage of your mental wellbeing journey with trusted information, practical advice, and expert tips.

Autumnal background with autumn leaves, pumpkins, and autumn decorations on turquoise table top view.

Mental health

Craving some cosy? The science of autumn nesting

by Claire Kenny

Hands reaching for heart notification against pink background.

Mental health

Let’s talk about dating app burnout

by Claire Kenny

Magnifying glass with red notification-style heart focusing on blue smiley face among yellow sad expressions against yellow background.

Mental health

Diabetes burnout - how mindfulness can support your mental wellbeing

by Victoria Raw

Top view of pale blue, black, and white weighing scales against a bright pink background.

Mental health

What is 'Skinnymaxxing' - and why are health experts concerned about it?

by Helena Barham-Coppola

Browse mental health

Health and wellness videos

Discover trusted health videos to help you understand and improve your wellbeing.

Simple ways to follow a Mediterranean diet5 min 1 sec

Dr Agam Jung: Caring for Rob Burrow & Building the MND Centre | Yorkshire Talks41 min 56 sec

Adam Smith on mindfulness, mental health, and diabetes24 min 27 sec

Yorkshire Talks is BACK! | Matt Jameson & Christine Talbot | Series 3 Begins10 min 19 sec

Alexis Blake on Transition, Marriage & Mental Health | Yorkshire Talks43 min 55 sec

Jamie Jones-Buchanan: Resilience & the Leeds Rhinos Golden Generation | Yorkshire Talks45 min 54 sec

Amy Walsh: Leaving Emmerdale, Baby Nell & the Walsh Sisters | Yorkshire Talks42 min 56 sec

Gaynor Faye on Hot Flash, menopause - and why midlife women deserve to be seen13 min 42 sec

View all videos

Travel by country

Find country-specific travel health advice, including recommended vaccines, malaria risk, and other precautions for your destination.

Australia

Brazil

Canada

Egypt

India

Japan

Spain

View all countries

Women’s health

For every woman, at every stage of life. Explore trusted guidance to help you understand your health, support your wellbeing, and feel good about you.