Health A to Z

Seborrhoeic dermatitis

Also called Dandruff, Cradle cap, Seborrhoeic eczema

Dandruff and its more inflamed relatives, driven by a yeast everybody has. Controllable, not curable, and it always comes back when treatment stops.

Selective mutism

An anxiety disorder where a child can speak, and physically cannot in certain settings. Not shyness, and not a choice.

Self-harm

Hurting yourself to manage unbearable feelings. Usually not an attempt to die, and always a reason to take seriously.

Sensory processing differences

Also called Sensory processing disorder, Sensory integration difficulties

The brain registering sensory input too strongly or too weakly. Behind a great deal of what gets called challenging behaviour.

Sepsis

Also called Blood poisoning, Septicaemia

The body's response to infection damaging its own organs. Around 48,000 deaths a year in the UK, and hours decide the outcome.

Serotonin syndrome and NMS

Also called Neuroleptic malignant syndrome, NMS

Two rare, life-threatening drug reactions. Both present as fever plus confusion plus muscle changes, and both are missed.

Sexually transmitted infections

Also called STIs, Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis, Trichomoniasis

Mostly symptomless, which is why testing rather than symptoms is the point. Free, confidential, and available by post.

Shin splints

Also called Medial tibial stress syndrome

Shin pain from doing too much too soon. The important job is separating it from a stress fracture, which needs rest rather than modification.

Shingles

Also called Herpes zoster

Chickenpox virus reactivating along a nerve. Treatment within 72 hours substantially reduces the risk of lasting pain.

Short-sightedness and long-sightedness

Also called Myopia, Hypermetropia, Astigmatism, Refractive error

The commonest reason people cannot see clearly, and entirely correctable. Free eye tests exist for the groups most likely to miss out.