What We Treat

General muscle and joint pains can often be effectively managed through telehealth. Our GPs can:

• Assess the location, severity, and potential causes of your pain
• Recommend appropriate pain relief medications
• Suggest exercises and lifestyle modifications
• Provide advice on heat/cold therapy and rest

🔴 Red Flags: Seek in-person care if pain is severe, follows a significant injury, or is accompanied by numbness, weakness, or inability to bear weight.

For mild to moderate allergic reactions causing symptoms like hives, itching, or mild swelling, our GPs can:

• Identify potential triggers
• Prescribe antihistamines or other appropriate medications
• Provide advice on allergen avoidance
• Develop an action plan for future reactions

🔴 Red Flags: If you experience difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, dizziness, or confusion, seek emergency care immediately as these may indicate anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction.

A cough is your body’s natural response to clear irritants from your throat and airways. During your HelloDoc consultation, our GPs can:

• Assess your cough type, duration, and severity
• Determine potential causes (viral infection, allergies, asthma, etc.)
• Recommend appropriate over-the-counter remedies
• Advise on self-care measures and symptom management
• Prescribe medications when appropriate

🔴 Red Flags: Seek immediate medical care if your cough is accompanied by severe shortness of breath, coughing up blood, chest pain, or high fever.

Dizziness can range from lightheadedness to a spinning sensation (vertigo). Our GPs can:

• Assess the nature and triggers of your dizziness
• Recommend initial management techniques
• Suggest medications for symptom relief when appropriate
• Advise if further in-person evaluation is needed

🔴 Red Flags: Seek emergency care if dizziness is accompanied by chest pain, severe headache, difficulty speaking, vision changes, or inability to walk.

Persistent tiredness can significantly impact your quality of life. Our GPs can:

• Explore possible causes of your fatigue (sleep issues, stress, thyroid problems, etc.)
• Recommend appropriate lifestyle modifications
• Suggest tests to rule out underlying medical conditions
• Provide advice on energy management and sleep improvement

🔴 Red Flags: Seek prompt medical attention if fatigue is accompanied by unexplained weight loss, high fever, shortness of breath, or severe weakness.

Fever (temperature above 38°C/100.4°F) is usually a sign that your body is fighting an infection. Our GPs can:

• Assess your temperature and associated symptoms
• Recommend appropriate fever-reducing medications
• Provide advice on staying hydrated and comfortable
• Determine if antibiotics or further treatment is needed

🔴 Red Flags: Seek emergency care if fever is extremely high (above 39.5°C/103°F), accompanied by severe headache, stiff neck, confusion, or if it occurs in an infant under 3 months.

From tension headaches to migraines, our GPs can help manage your head pain through:

• Detailed assessment of headache pattern, triggers, and characteristics
• Prescription of appropriate pain relief medications
• Preventive treatment recommendations for recurrent headaches
• Lifestyle and trigger avoidance advice

🔴 Red Flags: Seek emergency care for sudden, severe headache (“worst headache of your life”), headache with fever and stiff neck, headache after head injury, or headache with confusion, weakness, or vision changes

Most insect bites and stings cause minor symptoms that can be managed at home. Our GPs can:

• Identify the likely culprit based on appearance and symptoms
• Recommend appropriate treatments to reduce itching and inflammation
• Advise on preventing infection
• Prescribe stronger medications if needed

🔴 Red Flags: Seek emergency care if you experience difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, dizziness, or rapid heartbeat after a bite or sting, as these may indicate a severe allergic reaction.

These uncomfortable symptoms can be caused by various conditions from viral infections to food poisoning. Our GPs can:

• Assess possible causes of your symptoms
• Recommend anti-nausea medications when appropriate
• Provide advice on staying hydrated and managing symptoms
• Determine if further investigation is needed

🔴 Red Flags: Seek emergency care if vomiting contains blood, is accompanied by severe abdominal pain, or if you show signs of dehydration (extreme thirst, dry mouth, little/no urination, severe weakness).

For less severe injuries like minor sprains, strains, or small cuts, our GPs can:

• Assess the injury and determine severity
• Recommend appropriate first aid and home care
• Advise on pain management
• Determine if in-person assessment or treatment is needed

🔴 Red Flags: Seek in-person care for deep wounds, significant bleeding, suspected fractures, or injuries with severe pain, swelling, or deformity.

Common causes of skin rashes include allergic reactions, viral/bacterial/fungal infections, heat, eczema/dermatitis and underlying medical conditions. By uploading pictures of the rash prior to your consultation, you’ll help our doctors make a more accurate assessment.

Based on the appearance, distribution, and your associated symptoms, our GPs can recommend appropriate treatments including creams, antihistamines, or antibiotics when necessary. They can also provide advice on preventing future outbreaks and managing itching or discomfort.

🔴 Red Flags: Seek emergency care for rashes accompanied by severe swelling, difficulty breathing, or those that spread rapidly. Also seek immediate care if the rash appears as small purple spots that don’t fade (non-blanching) when pressed (petechiae) or is accompanied by high fever.

High blood pressure occurs when the force of blood against your artery walls is consistently too high. While it often has no noticeable symptoms, it can lead to serious health problems if left unmanaged.

For patients with an existing diagnosis, our GPs can:

• Review your home blood pressure readings
• Assess your current medication effectiveness
• Make adjustments to your treatment plan if needed
• Provide advice on lifestyle modifications to help manage your condition
• Arrange appropriate monitoring and follow-up

To get the most from your consultation, please have recent blood pressure readings available (ideally taken over several days) and a list of your current medications.

🔴 Red Flags: Seek emergency care if you experience severe headache, blurred vision, chest pain, shortness of breath, or if your blood pressure readings are extremely high (above 180/120).

High cholesterol can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. For many people, it causes no symptoms until it leads to more serious problems. Our GPs can:

• Review your recent cholesterol test results
• Assess your overall cardiovascular risk
• Recommend lifestyle modifications to improve cholesterol levels
• Prescribe or adjust cholesterol-lowering medications when appropriate
• Monitor your progress and arrange follow-up tests

For effective management, it’s helpful to have your most recent cholesterol test results available during your consultation.

Many cardiovascular conditions require long-term medication. Our GPs can help with:

• Reviewing and renewing prescriptions for stable conditions
• Addressing medication side effects
• Explaining how your medications work
• Adjusting dosages when appropriate
• Ensuring your medication regimen is optimised

Important Note about Cardiovascular Care:

While HelloDoc provides support for stable cardiovascular conditions, we recommend that you maintain regular in-person check-ups with your own GP or specialist, especially if you have complex or multiple heart conditions. Our telehealth service works best as part of your comprehensive care plan rather than a complete replacement for in-person cardiovascular care.

Even if you don’t have a diagnosed heart condition, our GPs can help assess your cardiovascular risk and develop preventive strategies. Our GPs can:

• Calculate your cardiovascular risk score based on age, lifestyle, and other factors
• Recommend appropriate screening tests
• Provide personalised advice on heart-healthy habits
• Develop strategies to address risk factors such as smoking or sedentary lifestyle
• Create a prevention plan tailored to your specific needs

Understanding Your Heart Health

Regular monitoring of your cardiovascular health is essential for preventing serious conditions. During your HelloDoc consultation, our GPs can explain:

• How to accurately measure your blood pressure at home
• What your cholesterol results mean for your health
• The importance of different heart-related tests and screenings
• How lifestyle factors affect your heart health
• When to seek specialist care

Many common childhood illnesses can be initially assessed through video consultation. Our GPs can:

• Evaluate symptoms of common illnesses like chickenpox, hand-foot-mouth disease, or fifth disease
• Provide guidance on appropriate home care and symptom management
• Advise when in-person evaluation is necessary
• Offer advice on preventing spread to siblings or classmates

🔴 Red Flags: Seek emergency care if your child shows signs of serious illness such as difficulty breathing, extreme drowsiness, severe dehydration, or persistent high fever.

Croup is characterised by a distinctive “barking” cough, hoarseness, and sometimes difficulty breathing. Our GPs can:

• Assess symptoms through video to determine severity
• Prescribe oral corticosteroids (like dexamethasone or prednisolone), which are highly effective at reducing inflammation and improving symptoms
• Recommend appropriate home management strategies, such as humidified air and keeping your child calm
• Advise on when to seek in-person care
• Provide guidance on easing your child’s breathing difficulties with proper positioning

A single dose of oral steroids can significantly improve symptoms within hours and reduce the need for hospital admission in many cases of moderate croup.

🔴 Red Flags: Seek emergency care if your child shows signs of severe breathing difficulty, makes a high-pitched whistling sound when breathing (stridor) at rest, has blue-tinged lips, or is extremely agitated or lethargic.

Impetigo is a common bacterial skin infection that causes red sores or blisters, most often around the nose and mouth. Our GPs can:

• Confirm the diagnosis based on the appearance of the affected skin
• Prescribe appropriate antibiotic treatments (topical or oral, depending on severity)
• Explain how to prevent spreading the infection to other family members
• Advise on when your child can return to school or nursery

For your consultation, please upload clear images of affected areas in good lighting to help our doctors provide the most accurate assessment.

🔴 Red Flags: Seek in-person care if the infection is severe, spreading rapidly, or accompanied by fever or swollen lymph nodes.

Our GPs can assess and treat many types of childhood rashes, including:

• Eczema
• Heat rash
• Viral rashes (like roseola)
• Allergic reactions
• Fungal infections

For your consultation, please upload clear images of affected areas in good lighting to help our GPs provide the most accurate assessment.

Based on the appearance of the rash and associated symptoms, our GPs can recommend appropriate treatments and provide advice on relieving discomfort.

🔴 Red Flags: Seek emergency care if the rash doesn’t fade when pressed (glass test), is accompanied by high fever, visual sensitivity to light (photophobia), neck stiffness, confusion/drowsiness or if your child appears very unwell, as these could indicate more serious conditions like meningitis.

Consulting with a doctor about your child’s health via video can be very effective with the right preparation:

1. Try to schedule during a calm time when your child is not overly tired or hungry.
2. Have good lighting so the doctor can clearly see your child and any visible symptoms.
3. Take relevant measurements beforehand if possible:
   • Temperature
   • Weight (for medication dosing)
   • How much they’ve been eating/drinking
   • Frequency of wet nappies/urination
4. Upload clear images of any rashes, sores, or other visible symptoms before the consultation.
5. Be prepared to describe symptoms in detail, including when they started and any changes you’ve noticed.
6. Have your child present for the video call so the doctor can observe them directly, but have activities ready in case they need to be distracted.
7. Keep a record of any medications already given, including doses and times.

⚠️ Trust your instincts as a parent – if you feel your child is seriously unwell, it’s appropriate to seek emergency care directly.

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) occurs when stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus, causing symptoms like heartburn, regurgitation, and chest discomfort. HelloDoc GPs can:

• Assess your symptoms and their impact on your daily life
• Recommend lifestyle modifications such as dietary changes, weight management, and sleeping position adjustments
• Prescribe medications including antacids, H2 blockers, or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)
• Provide advice on managing night-time symptoms
• Determine if further investigation might be needed

🔴 Red Flags: Seek immediate care if you experience severe chest pain (especially with sweating or shortness of breath), difficulty swallowing, persistent vomiting, unexplained weight loss, or if you’re passing black/tarry stools.

Constipation occurs when bowel movements become infrequent, difficult to pass, or incomplete. Our GPs can:

• Assess possible causes based on your symptoms and medical history
• Recommend dietary changes to increase fibre intake
• Suggest appropriate hydration and exercise routines
• Prescribe laxatives or stool softeners when necessary
• Arrange appropriate investigations (such as blood tests) when indicated
• Refer to specialists for persistent symptoms or when concerning features are present
• Provide a management plan for chronic constipation

For new-onset constipation or persistent symptoms despite treatment, our GPs will consider whether further investigation is needed, particularly for adults over 45 or those with a family history of bowel cancer.

🔴 Red Flags: Seek in-person care if constipation is accompanied by severe abdominal pain, blood in stool, unintended weight loss, or a significant change in bowel habits—especially in adults over 50, as these could indicate more serious conditions.

Diarrhoea is characterised by loose, watery stools occurring more frequently than normal. Our GPs can:

• Help identify potential causes (infections, food intolerances, medications, etc.)
• Recommend hydration strategies and dietary adjustments
• Prescribe anti-diarrhoeal medications when appropriate
• Advise on preventing spread if infection is suspected
• Determine if stool testing or further investigation is needed

🔴 Red Flags: Seek emergency care for severe diarrhoea with signs of dehydration (extreme thirst, dry mouth, little/no urination, severe weakness), high fever, severe abdominal pain, or blood in stool.

Haemorrhoids are swollen veins in the lower rectum and anus that can cause discomfort, itching, pain, and bleeding during bowel movements. Our GPs can:

• Discuss your symptoms to provide an initial assessment
• Offer advice on management of possible haemorrhoids based on symptom description
• Recommend over-the-counter treatments to reduce discomfort if appropriate
• Suggest dietary modifications to soften stools and reduce straining
• Advise on proper toilet habits and hygiene
• Arrange appropriate referrals for in-person examination

⚠️ Important: Any rectal bleeding requires proper evaluation. While haemorrhoids are a common cause, bleeding can also be a symptom of serious conditions including colorectal cancer. Our GPs will recommend appropriate in-person assessment for any rectal bleeding, particularly in patients over 40 or those with a family history of colorectal cancer.

🔴 Red Flags: Seek prompt in-person medical care for:

• Any rectal bleeding (bright red, dark, or blood mixed with stool)
• Unexplained weight loss
• Changes in bowel habits lasting more than 2 weeks
• Persistent abdominal pain
• Anaemia or unexplained fatigue
• Family history of colorectal cancer with new digestive symptoms

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a chronic condition affecting the large intestine. As IBS is a diagnosis of exclusion (meaning other conditions must first be ruled out). Our doctors would primarily help manage existing IBS diagnoses. Our GPs can:

• Review your symptoms and current management strategies
• Suggest dietary modifications, including low FODMAP approaches
• Recommend appropriate medications to manage specific symptoms
• Provide advice on stress management techniques
• Help identify and avoid trigger foods
• Monitor for any new or changing symptoms

🔴 Red Flags: Seek prompt medical attention if you develop new or worsening symptoms, especially unexplained weight loss, rectal bleeding, persistent pain not relieved by passing gas or stool, or if symptoms begin after age 50.

Food poisoning occurs when you consume contaminated food or drink, leading to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and stomach cramps. For mild cases, our GPs can:

• Assess the severity of your symptoms
• Provide advice on maintaining hydration
• Recommend appropriate medications to manage symptoms
• Advise on gradual reintroduction of food
• Determine if further medical attention is needed

🔴 Red Flags: Seek emergency care for severe symptoms, signs of dehydration (extreme thirst, dry mouth, little/no urination, severe weakness), high fever (above 38.5°C/101.3°F), or bloody diarrhoea.

For patients with well-controlled diabetes, HelloDoc can provide ongoing support and management. Our GPs can:

• Review your blood glucose readings and patterns
• Assess your current medication effectiveness
• Make adjustments to your treatment plan when appropriate
• Provide advice on diet, exercise, and lifestyle factors
• Arrange necessary monitoring tests
• Coordinate with your diabetes care specialist when needed

For effective consultations, please have recent blood glucose readings, medication details, and any concerns ready to discuss.

🔴 Red Flags: Seek emergency care for symptoms of very high blood sugar (extreme thirst, frequent urination, confusion, fruity-smelling breath) or very low blood sugar (shakiness, confusion, loss of consciousness).

Previously diagnosed conditions affecting the thyroid gland, such as hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), can be effectively monitored through telehealth once stabilised. Our GPs can:

• Review your current symptoms and treatment effectiveness
• Interpret thyroid function test results
• Adjust medication dosages as needed
• Arrange appropriate follow-up testing
• Provide lifestyle advice to support thyroid health
• Refer to specialists for complex thyroid issues

To prepare for your consultation, please have recent test results and a list of current medications available.

🔴 Red Flags: Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe palpitations, chest pain, extreme weakness, or difficulty breathing, as these may indicate thyroid crisis or other serious complications.

HelloDoc offers comprehensive weight management support through our virtual consultations. Our GPs can:

• Assess your current weight, BMI, and related health factors
• Develop a personalised weight management plan
• Provide evidence-based dietary advice
• Recommend appropriate physical activity regimens
• Discuss psychological aspects of weight management
• Monitor your progress and adjust strategies as needed
• Consider medication options for eligible patients

Weight Management Medications

For patients meeting specific clinical criteria, medication may be considered as part of a comprehensive weight management approach. Our doctors follow strict prescribing guidelines and will:

• Conduct a thorough health assessment
• Discuss benefits, risks, and alternatives
• Recommend appropriate medication when suitable
• Provide close monitoring of any prescribed treatments
• Referral to dieticians / nutritionists if indicated
• Ensure regular follow-up consultations

HelloDoc’s Weight Management Medication Policy:

• We only prescribe weight management medications for patients who meet specific medical criteria
• Initial prescribing requires comprehensive health screening and ongoing monitoring
• We do not prescribe medications purely for cosmetic weight loss without clinical indication
• Medications are always prescribed alongside lifestyle interventions

Note: Not all patients will be eligible for weight management medications, and our GPs will always explain the reasoning behind their clinical decisions.

Holistic Approach to Weight Management

Our weight management support extends beyond just diet and exercise to include:

• Addressing emotional and psychological factors related to eating
• Identifying and managing conditions that may affect weight
• Setting realistic, sustainable goals
• Building healthier habits for long-term success
• Regular follow-up to provide accountability and support

🔴 Red Flags: While weight management itself rarely causes emergency symptoms, seek medical attention if you experience chest pain, severe shortness of breath, or fainting during exercise, or if you develop signs of an eating disorder such as extreme restriction, purging behaviours, or obsessive thoughts about food and weight.

Understanding your metabolic health is key to preventing conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Our GPs can:

• Evaluate your metabolic risk factors
• Interpret blood test results related to metabolic health
• Discuss how lifestyle factors affect your metabolism
• Create a personalised plan to improve metabolic health
• Recommend appropriate screening tests
• Provide ongoing monitoring and support

This service is particularly valuable for those with:

• Family history of diabetes
• Previous gestational diabetes
• Prediabetes or borderline high blood sugar
• High blood pressure
• Elevated cholesterol
• Excess weight, particularly around the abdomen

Our GPs can provide initial assessment for specific hormone-related conditions, including:

Menopause and Perimenopause

• Discuss symptoms such as hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and mood changes
• Explain treatment options including hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
• Provide lifestyle advice to manage symptoms
• Arrange appropriate testing when needed

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

• Review symptoms such as irregular periods, excess hair growth, and acne
• Recommend appropriate blood tests to assess hormone levels
• Discuss management strategies for specific symptoms
• Refer for ultrasound scans when needed

Thyroid Function Issues

• Assess symptoms of hypothyroidism (fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance)
• Evaluate symptoms of hyperthyroidism (anxiety, weight loss, heat intolerance)
• Arrange appropriate thyroid function tests
• Interpret results and initiate treatment if appropriate

Low Testosterone

• Discuss symptoms such as fatigue, reduced libido, and mood changes
• Arrange blood tests to measure testosterone levels
• Provide initial advice based on results
• Refer to specialists for complex cases or treatment

Adrenal Issues

• Assess for symptoms of cortisol imbalance
• Recommend appropriate testing
• Refer to specialists for definitive diagnosis and management

While definitive diagnosis often requires blood tests and sometimes specialist input, our GPs can provide valuable initial guidance and appropriate next steps for these specific hormonal conditions.

🔴 Red Flags: Seek immediate medical attention if you experience sudden severe headaches, visual disturbances, extreme weakness, confusion, or very rapid heart rate, as these may indicate serious hormone-related emergencies.

Anxiety involves persistent feelings of worry, nervousness, or fear that can interfere with daily activities. Our GPs can:

• Assess your symptoms and their impact on your daily life
• Identify potential triggers or contributing factors
• Recommend evidence-based self-help strategies
• Discuss therapeutic options such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
• Prescribe appropriate medications when necessary
• Refer to specialist mental health services when needed
• Provide regular follow-up support

Our approach focuses on helping you understand and manage your anxiety through both practical coping strategies and medical support when appropriate.

🔴 Red Flags: If you’re experiencing thoughts of harming yourself or others, please call 999 or go to your nearest A&E department immediately.

Depression can affect how you feel, think, and handle daily activities. For mild to moderate depression, our GPs can:

• Assess the severity of your symptoms
• Discuss treatment options including talking therapies and medication
• Develop a personalized management plan
• Provide guidance on self-help strategies and lifestyle changes
• Monitor your progress through regular follow-up appointments
• Adjust your treatment plan as needed
• Refer to specialist mental health services if symptoms worsen

Depression is treatable, and many people find that their symptoms improve significantly with appropriate support and treatment.

🔴 Red Flags: If you’re experiencing thoughts of suicide or self-harm, please call 999 or go to your nearest A&E department immediately.

Insomnia involves difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or getting restful sleep. Our GPs can help with:

• Identifying potential causes of your sleep difficulties
• Recommending evidence-based sleep hygiene practices
• Providing cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) techniques
• Discussing lifestyle factors that may be affecting your sleep
• Developing a personalised sleep improvement plan

In line with our prescribing policy, HelloDoc does not prescribe benzodiazepines or Z-drugs (such as zopiclone or zolpidem) for insomnia. We focus on sustainable, evidence-based approaches to improve sleep naturally and can provide referrals to sleep specialists when necessary.

🔴 Red Flags: If insomnia is accompanied by severe mental health symptoms, breathing difficulties during sleep, or extreme daytime sleepiness that affects safety, in-person evaluation may be needed.

Quitting smoking is one of the most important steps you can take for your health. Our GPs provide comprehensive support to help you quit smoking, including:

• Assessment of your smoking habits and nicotine dependence
• Discussion of previous quit attempts and what worked/didn’t work
• Creation of a personalised quit plan
• Prescribing appropriate nicotine replacement therapies (patches, gum, lozenges)
• Recommending non-nicotine medications like varenicline or bupropion when suitable
• Regular follow-up support during the quitting process
• Strategies for dealing with cravings and preventing relapse

Research consistently shows that combining medication with behavioural support significantly increases your chances of quitting successfully long-term.

Chronic stress can affect both your physical and mental health, contributing to issues such as headaches, sleep problems, digestive issues, and mood changes. Our GPs can provide practical advice on managing stress, including:

• Evidence-based relaxation techniques like deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation
• Mindfulness and meditation practices tailored to your needs
• Exercise recommendations appropriate to your fitness level
• Work-life balance strategies
• Time management and prioritisation techniques
• Identifying and addressing sources of stress
• Referral to therapy or counseling services when needed

We can help you identify your specific stress triggers and develop a personalised stress management plan to improve your overall wellbeing.

🔴 Red Flags: Seek immediate help if stress is accompanied by:

• Thoughts of harming yourself or others
• Panic attacks that don’t respond to usual coping strategies
• Significant changes in appetite or weight
• Inability to carry out daily activities
• Turning to alcohol or drugs to cope
• Physical symptoms like chest pain or severe headaches
• Persistent feelings of hopelessness

At HelloDoc, we believe in a holistic approach to mental health that considers:

• Biological factors (including physical health and genetics)
• Psychological aspects (thoughts, emotions, and behaviours)
• Social elements (relationships, work, and life circumstances)

Our GPs are trained to provide supportive, non-judgmental care and understand that seeking help for mental health concerns takes courage.

Medication Information

For mental health conditions that may benefit from medication:

• We follow evidence-based prescribing guidelines
• Initial prescriptions may be for shorter periods with follow-up to assess effectiveness and side effects
• We work with you to find the right medication and dosage for your needs
• We provide clear information about potential benefits and side effects
• Regular medication reviews ensure your treatment remains appropriate

Important Note: Some psychiatric medications are not suitable for initial prescription via telehealth and may require specialist assessment.

Confidentiality and Support

Your mental health information is treated with the utmost confidentiality. We provide:

• Secure, private consultations
• Regular follow-up options
• Resources for additional support
• Clear information about when and how to access crisis services if needed

🔴 Red Flags: If you’re experiencing a mental health emergency or having thoughts of harming yourself, please call 999 or go to your nearest A&E department immediately.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual activity. Our GPs can:

• Discuss your symptoms and their impact on your wellbeing
• Explore potential underlying causes (cardiovascular, hormonal, psychological, medication-related)
• Recommend appropriate blood tests to rule out medical causes
• Provide initial management advice and lifestyle recommendations
• Prescribe appropriate medications when suitable (following a comprehensive risk assessment)
• Refer to specialists for further investigation when necessary

While we can often help manage ED through telehealth, it’s important to note that erectile dysfunction can sometimes be an early warning sign of cardiovascular disease or diabetes, so proper evaluation is essential.

🔴 Red Flags: Seek prompt in-person medical care if you experience:

• Sudden onset ED with no obvious cause
• ED accompanied by new chest pain or cardiovascular symptoms
• Priapism (painful erection lasting more than 4 hours) – this requires emergency treatment

Male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) is the most common cause of hair loss in men. Our GPs can:

• Assess the pattern and progression of your hair loss
• Discuss available treatment options including topical minoxidil and oral finasteride
• Explain potential benefits and side effects of treatments
• Prescribe appropriate medications when suitable
• Monitor your response to treatment
• Identify when other causes of hair loss should be considered
• Refer to specialists for complex cases

Using our secure image upload feature, you can provide photos of affected areas to help our doctors assess your condition more accurately.

Important: HelloDoc GPs will consider your overall health and any contraindications before prescribing treatments for hair loss. Some treatments are not suitable for all patients, and our doctors will explain their clinical decisions fully.

Low testosterone can cause symptoms such as fatigue, reduced sex drive, erectile dysfunction, decreased muscle mass, and mood changes. Our GPs can:

• Discuss your symptoms and medical history
• Recommend appropriate blood tests to check hormone levels
• Interpret test results and explain their significance
• Provide advice on lifestyle factors that may help improve testosterone levels
• Refer to specialists for further assessment and treatment when appropriate

A proper evaluation for low testosterone requires blood testing, which we can arrange for you. If tests confirm low testosterone, specialist referral is often needed for treatment, as testosterone replacement therapy requires careful monitoring.

🔴 Red Flags: Seek prompt medical attention if you experience severe headaches, visual disturbances, or unusual swelling, especially if you’re already on testosterone therapy.

In addition to addressing specific concerns, our GPs can help with preventive health measures, including:

• Cardiovascular risk assessment – Evaluation of your risk for heart disease and stroke, with personalised advice on risk reduction
• Diabetes screening – Arrangement of appropriate tests and guidance on prevention for those at risk
• Mental health check-ins – Supportive discussions about stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns that may affect men
• Lifestyle optimisation – Personalised advice on diet, exercise, sleep, stress management, and reducing alcohol or tobacco use
• Cancer awareness – Information about cancer screening and recognising potential warning signs

Premature ejaculation is a common sexual concern that can cause distress and relationship difficulties. Our GPs can:

• Provide a confidential space to discuss your concerns
• Recommend behavioral techniques and exercises
• Suggest over-the-counter products that may help
• Prescribe medications when appropriate
• Offer relationship advice when relevant
• Refer to specialists for more complex cases

Many men find significant improvement with appropriate treatment and guidance.

🔴 Red Flags: While premature ejaculation itself is not medically dangerous, seek care if you experience pain during ejaculation or notice blood in your semen, as these may indicate other conditions requiring investigation.

The prostate is a small gland that can cause urinary symptoms when enlarged or inflamed. Our GPs can:

• Assess your urinary symptoms and their impact on your daily life
• Discuss risk factors for prostate conditions
• Recommend appropriate tests when indicated
• Provide advice on managing mild symptoms
• Prescribe medications for appropriate conditions
• Arrange referral to urologists when necessary

Common prostate conditions we can help assess include benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostatitis. For suspected prostate cancer, we will arrange appropriate referrals for in-person evaluation.

🔴 Red Flags: Seek prompt medical attention if you experience:

• Inability to urinate
• Severe pain in the lower abdomen or pelvic area
• Blood in urine or semen
• Sudden worsening of urinary symptoms

HelloDoc provides confidential consultations for various sexual health concerns, including:

• Risk assessment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• Arrangement of appropriate STI testing
• Treatment for diagnosed infections
• Advice on safer sex practices
• Discussion of sexual difficulties or concerns
• Support for relationship issues affecting sexual health

Our GPs provide non-judgmental care and understand the sensitive nature of these discussions.

🔴 Red Flags: Seek prompt medical attention for genital pain, unusual discharge, bleeding, lumps, or sores that require immediate assessment.

Back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints, ranging from mild discomfort to severe, debilitating pain. Through HelloDoc, our GPs can:

• Assess your symptoms and their impact on daily activities
• Help identify potential causes based on your description and history
• Recommend appropriate pain management strategies
• Suggest exercises and stretches that may help
• Provide advice on posture and ergonomics
• Prescribe appropriate medications when necessary
• Determine if imaging or in-person assessment is needed
• Refer to physiotherapy or specialist care when appropriate

We can help with many types of back pain, though some conditions may ultimately require physical examination or imaging for definitive diagnosis.

🔴 Red Flags: Seek emergency care if back pain is accompanied by:

• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Numbness in the genital area
• Progressive leg weakness
• Pain following significant trauma
• Severe, unrelenting pain that doesn’t improve with rest
• Back pain with fever

Joint pain can affect any joint in the body and may result from injury, inflammation, or underlying conditions. Our GPs can:

• Assess the location, nature, and severity of your pain
• Discuss potential causes based on your symptoms and history
• Recommend appropriate pain relief measures
• Suggest exercises to maintain mobility and strength
• Advise on activity modifications
• Determine if blood tests or imaging might be helpful
• Refer to physiotherapy or specialist care when needed

While initial assessment and management guidance can be provided via telehealth, some joint conditions may require in-person examination for definitive diagnosis.

🔴 Red Flags: Seek prompt medical attention if a joint becomes suddenly hot, red, and severely painful, or if you experience joint pain with fever, as these may indicate infection requiring immediate treatment.

Strains (affecting muscles or tendons) and sprains (affecting ligaments) typically occur with sudden movements or overexertion. Our GPss can:

• Assess the likely nature and severity of your injury
• Guide you through appropriate first aid (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation)
• Recommend suitable pain management
• Advise on expected recovery timeframes
• Suggest appropriate exercises for rehabilitation
• Determine if further investigation or in-person care is needed

🔴 Red Flags: Seek in-person care if you:

• Cannot bear weight on the affected limb
• Experience severe pain, swelling, or deformity
• Hear a pop or crack at the time of injury
• Have significant loss of function
• Develop numbness or tingling

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition that commonly affects the knees, hips, hands, and spine. For patients with diagnosed osteoarthritis, our GPs can provide ongoing management including:

• Review of your symptoms and their impact on daily activities
• Advice on pain management strategies
• Guidance on appropriate exercise and activity levels
• Prescription of pain relief medications when needed
• Recommendations for joint protection techniques
• Discussion of supplements and complementary approaches
• Referral to physiotherapy when beneficial
• Determination of when specialist assessment might be needed

While HelloDoc can help manage symptoms and progression, initial diagnosis typically requires in-person assessment and sometimes imaging.

🔴 Red Flags: Seek prompt medical attention for any sudden, severe increase in joint pain, especially if accompanied by fever, redness, or significant swelling.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition causing inflammation of the joints. For patients with established diagnoses, our GPs can support ongoing management by:

• Monitoring your symptoms and response to treatment
• Arranging appropriate blood tests to monitor disease activity
• Adjusting medications when appropriate (with specialist coordination)
• Providing advice on managing flares
• Recommending exercises to maintain joint function
• Discussing strategies to protect joints during daily activities
• Coordinating care with your rheumatologist

Please note that initial diagnosis and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis typically requires specialist assessment, but once stable, many aspects of ongoing care can be provided via telehealth.

🔴 Red Flags: Seek immediate care for severe, sudden joint pain with significant swelling, especially if accompanied by fever, as this could indicate a flare requiring prompt treatment adjustment.

Tendonitis is inflammation or irritation of a tendon, often caused by repetitive movements or strain. Common locations include the shoulder, elbow (tennis or golfer’s elbow), wrist, knee, and Achilles tendon. Our GPs can:

• Assess your symptoms and likely causes
• Recommend appropriate rest and activity modification
• Suggest specific exercises to promote healing
• Advise on pain management, including anti-inflammatory medications
• Provide guidance on prevention of recurrence
• Determine if physiotherapy referral would be beneficial

Most cases of tendonitis respond well to conservative management, which can be effectively guided through telehealth.

🔴 Red Flags: Seek in-person assessment if you experience:

• Complete inability to use the affected area
• Significant swelling with warmth and redness
• Symptoms that worsen despite following recommended treatment

For patients with an existing asthma diagnosis whose condition is relatively stable, our GPs can provide ongoing management support including:

• Review of your current symptoms and triggers
• Assessment of your inhaler technique via video
• Adjustment of your medication regime when needed
• Creation or update of your asthma action plan
• Advice on avoiding triggers and managing seasonal changes
• Prescription renewals
• Determination of when in-person assessment might be needed

To get the most from your consultation, please have your inhalers ready to demonstrate your technique and any peak flow readings you’ve recorded.

🔴 Red Flags: Seek emergency care immediately if you experience:

• Severe shortness of breath
• Inability to speak in full sentences
• Little or no improvement after using your reliever inhaler
• Blue lips or fingernails
• Drowsiness or confusion

Bronchitis is inflammation of the airways, typically causing cough, mucus production, and sometimes shortness of breath. Our GPs can:

• Assess your symptoms and their severity
• Differentiate between acute and chronic bronchitis
• Recommend appropriate treatments for symptom relief
• Determine if antibiotics might be necessary (rarely needed for acute bronchitis)
• Suggest lifestyle modifications to aid recovery
• Advise on when in-person assessment might be needed

🔴 Red Flags: Seek prompt medical attention if you experience:

• Severe difficulty breathing
• High fever (above 38.5°C/101.3°F)
• Coughing up blood
• Symptoms that don’t improve after 3 weeks

Common Cold & Flu Symptoms Both the common cold and influenza (flu) are viral respiratory infections that share many symptoms. While definitive distinction often requires testing, our GPs can:

• Assess your symptom pattern, severity, and onset
• Evaluate your risk factors for complications
• Make a clinical assessment based on symptom presentation and local outbreak information
• Recommend appropriate home management strategies
• Advise on when testing might be beneficial

Management Options Through HelloDoc, our GPs can:

• Recommend appropriate over-the-counter treatments for symptom relief
• Discuss prescription options, including antivirals for suspected flu in high-risk patients or those with severe symptoms (ideally within 48 hours of symptom onset)
• Advise on rest, hydration, and other supportive measures
• Provide guidance on preventing spread to others
• Help determine if your symptoms might suggest another condition requiring different treatment

When to Consider Flu Treatment Antiviral medications for influenza are most beneficial for:

• People at higher risk of complications (elderly, pregnant women, those with chronic conditions)
• Those with severe symptoms
• Patients in the early stages of illness (within 48 hours of symptom onset)

🔴 Red Flags: Seek prompt medical attention if you experience:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Persistent chest pain or pressure
• Confusion or sudden dizziness
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Symptoms that improve but then return with worse fever and cough
• High fever (above 39°C/102.2°F) that doesn’t respond to medication

For patients with diagnosed Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), our GPs can help with ongoing management of your condition through:

• Review of your current symptoms and breathing status
• Assessment of your inhaler technique
• Adjustment of medications when appropriate
• Advice on managing flare-ups
• Strategies for pulmonary rehabilitation exercises
• Recommendations for vaccination
• Coordination with your specialist care

For effective consultations, please have your inhalers available and be prepared to discuss any recent changes in your symptoms or breathing capacity.

🔴 Red Flags: Seek emergency care if you experience:

• Severe shortness of breath that comes on suddenly or worsens significantly
• Bluish discolouration of lips or fingernails
• Confusion or excessive drowsiness
• Chest pain
• Inability to speak in full sentences due to breathlessness

While definitive diagnosis of ear infections typically requires physical examination, our GPs can:

• Assess your symptoms and their severity
• Differentiate between likely outer ear infections (otitis externa) and middle ear infections (otitis media) based on your symptoms
• Recommend appropriate pain management
• Prescribe antibiotics when necessary
• Provide advice on prevention of recurrence
• Determine if in-person assessment is needed

🔴 Red Flags: Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Severe ear pain with high fever
• Discharge from the ear containing blood or pus
• Sudden hearing loss
• Severe dizziness or balance problems
• Swelling or redness behind the ear
• Facial weakness on the affected side

Hay fever causes symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose, and congestion in response to allergens like pollen. Our GPs can:

• Assess your symptoms and likely triggers
• Recommend appropriate over-the-counter antihistamines, nasal sprays, or eye drops
• Prescribe stronger treatments when needed
• Suggest strategies to minimise allergen exposure
• Provide advice on managing symptoms during high pollen seasons
• Discuss potential benefits of immunotherapy for severe cases

🔴 Red Flags: While hay fever itself is not dangerous, seek medical attention if you develop wheezing, significant shortness of breath, or severe facial swelling, which could indicate a more serious allergic reaction.

Sinusitis involves inflammation of the sinuses, causing symptoms such as facial pain, pressure, congestion, and sometimes fever. Our GPs can:

• Assess your symptoms and their duration
• Differentiate between viral and bacterial sinusitis
• Recommend appropriate treatments, including:
  • Saline nasal irrigation
  • Decongestants
  • Pain relievers
  • Nasal corticosteroids
• Prescribe antibiotics when bacterial infection is suspected
• Suggest strategies to prevent recurrence

🔴 Red Flags: Seek prompt medical attention if you experience:

• Severe headache or facial pain
• Visual changes
• Swelling around the eyes
• High fever
• Confusion or altered mental state
• Symptoms that worsen significantly despite treatment

Sore throats can be caused by viral infections, bacterial infections (like strep throat), or irritants. Our GPs can:

• Assess your symptoms and their likely cause
• Recommend appropriate pain relief and supportive care
• Determine if antibiotics might be necessary
• Provide advice on managing discomfort
• Suggest when testing or in-person assessment might be needed

🔴 Red Flags: Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Severe difficulty swallowing or breathing
• Unusual drooling
• Severe pain on one side of the throat
• Muffled voice or difficulty opening mouth
• Significant neck swelling
• High fever with severe symptoms

Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and vertigo (spinning sensation) can have various causes. Our GPs can:

• Discuss your symptoms and their impact on your daily life
• Explore potential causes based on your medical history
• Recommend initial management strategies
• Consider medication options when appropriate
• Determine if specialist referral is needed
• Provide reassurance and support for chronic conditions

While definitive diagnosis often requires specialist assessment, our GPs can offer valuable initial guidance and support.

🔴 Red Flags: Seek immediate medical attention if tinnitus or vertigo is:

• Sudden and severe in onset
• Accompanied by hearing loss
• Associated with neurological symptoms (facial weakness, difficulty speaking, coordination problems)
• Accompanied by severe headache
• Following head injury

For any concerns surrounding contraception, our GPs are here to help:

• Discuss the various contraceptive options, including their mechanisms of action
• Discuss the various methods that are safe for you depending on your health history and preferences
• Management of side effects from contraceptive methods
• Information about fertility awareness methods for those interested in natural approaches (e.g., Natural Family Planning)

Hormonal contraception may not be suitable for everyone. A thorough assessment of your medical history, family history, and lifestyle factors is required to ensure the method is safe for you.

⚠️ Important Notes:

• Emergency contraception is not prescribed on HelloDoc as it requires careful assessment of timing, pregnancy status, and medical history to ensure safe and effective use. If needed, we can help direct you to appropriate local services where proper evaluation can be conducted.
• Medical termination of pregnancy is not provided through HelloDoc. These services require in-person clinical assessment, laboratory testing, ultrasound confirmation of gestational age, and close follow-up monitoring, which cannot be adequately provided via telehealth.

🔴 Red Flags: Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe headache, chest pain, shortness of breath, severe leg pain or swelling, or vision changes while using hormonal contraceptives, as these could indicate serious complications.

Genital warts are caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). Our GPs can:

• Assess your symptoms and risk factors
• Provide an initial evaluation using our secure image upload feature
• Discuss treatment options including prescription creams and other therapies
• Advise on preventing transmission to partners
• Recommend vaccination against HPV when appropriate
• Refer for in-person treatment when necessary

While definitive diagnosis often requires in-person examination, our GPs can provide valuable initial guidance and treatment options for many cases.

🔴 Red Flags: While genital warts themselves are not typically dangerous, seek in-person care if you experience pain, bleeding, rapid growth, or changes in appearance of warts or surrounding skin.

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is a medication taken by HIV-negative people to reduce their risk of contracting HIV. Our GPs can:

• Assess your risk and suitability for PrEP
• Explain how PrEP works and discuss benefits and limitations
• Arrange necessary testing before starting PrEP
• Prescribe PrEP when appropriate
• Monitor for side effects and provide ongoing support
• Arrange regular testing during PrEP treatment

PrEP is highly effective when taken as prescribed, but requires regular monitoring and testing to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Important: PrEP does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections, and regular STI testing is recommended for those taking PrEP.

Pain during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia) can have various causes and affects both men and women. Our GPs can:

• Discuss your symptoms in a sensitive, confidential manner
• Explore possible causes based on your medical history
• Recommend initial management strategies and treatments
• Prescribe medications when appropriate
• Determine if specialist referral or in-person assessment is needed

While some causes of pain during intercourse can be assessed and managed via telehealth, others may require physical examination or specialist care.

🔴 Red Flags: Seek prompt medical attention if you experience severe pain, bleeding, or new symptoms after trauma or injury to the genital area.

HelloDoc provides comprehensive services related to sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including:

• Confidential risk assessment based on your sexual history
• Arrangement of appropriate STI testing
• Explanation of different testing options and what they detect
• Treatment for diagnosed infections when appropriate
• Partner notification guidance
• Advice on preventing STIs
• Follow-up testing to ensure treatment success

Early detection and treatment of STIs is important for preventing complications and reducing transmission.

🔴 Red Flags: Seek prompt medical attention if you experience severe pelvic pain, testicular pain, unusual discharge with fever, or rash with fever, as these could indicate serious infections requiring immediate treatment.

If you are diagnosed with an STI, informing sexual partners is an important step in preventing further transmission. Our GPs can:

• Provide guidance on how to inform partners
• Discuss anonymous notification options when necessary
• Provide supporting information that may help with difficult conversations

For patients with diagnosed sexually transmitted infections, Our GPs can provide appropriate treatment for some common STIs, including:

• Chlamydia
• Genital herpes
• Some types of non-gonococcal urethritis
• Certain fungal infections (like candidiasis)

Our GPs can:

• Prescribe appropriate oral antibiotics or antiviral medications
• Explain the treatment regimen and importance of completing it
• Discuss management of symptoms
• Provide advice on abstaining from sexual activity during treatment
• Arrange follow-up testing when needed
• Offer support with partner notification

Important Note: Some STIs, including gonorrhoea, require treatments that cannot be provided via telehealth (such as intramuscular antibiotic injections). For these infections, our GPs will refer you to appropriate in-person sexual health services.

🔴 Red Flags: Seek immediate medical care if you develop high fever, severe pain, or rash while being treated for an STI, as these could indicate an allergic reaction or treatment failure.

Sexual dysfunction encompasses various issues including difficulty with arousal, orgasm, or satisfaction. Our GPs can:

• Provide a confidential space to discuss your concerns
• Explore potential physical and psychological factors
• Offer initial advice and treatment options when appropriate
• Help determine if underlying health conditions might be contributing
• Refer to specialists when necessary

While some forms of sexual dysfunction can be addressed through telehealth, others may require in-person assessment, particularly if physical causes are suspected.

🔴 Red Flags: While sexual dysfunction itself is not typically dangerous, seek medical care if dysfunction is accompanied by pain, injury, or occurs suddenly after starting a new medication.

Acne is a common skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells, leading to pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, or cysts. Our GPs can:

• Assess your acne type and severity
• Recommend appropriate over-the-counter treatments
• Prescribe topical or oral medications when necessary
• Provide advice on skincare routines and trigger avoidance
• Monitor your progress and adjust treatment as needed
• Refer to dermatologists for severe or resistant cases

For your consultation, please upload clear images of affected areas in good lighting to help our doctors provide the most accurate assessment.

🔴 Red Flags: While acne itself is not dangerous, seek in-person care if you develop severe widespread infection, high fever, or extensive painful nodules that appear suddenly.

Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) is a fungal infection affecting the skin of the feet, typically between the toes, causing itching, redness, cracking, and flaking. Our GPs can:

• Diagnose athlete’s foot based on your symptoms and images
• Recommend appropriate antifungal treatments (creams, sprays, or oral medications)
• Advise on preventing recurrence through proper foot hygiene
• Monitor response to treatment
• Determine if bacterial infection is also present

For your consultation, please upload clear images of affected areas in good lighting to help our doctors provide the most accurate assessment.

🔴 Red Flags: Seek in-person care if you develop severe pain, swelling, warmth, red streaking up the foot or leg, fever, or if you have diabetes and develop any foot infection.

Cold sores are small, fluid-filled blisters caused by the herpes simplex virus, typically appearing around the mouth or lips. Our GPs can:

• Diagnose cold sores based on their characteristic appearance
• Prescribe antiviral medications to reduce duration and severity
• Recommend pain relief measures
• Provide advice on preventing spread and future outbreaks
• Discuss triggers that may cause recurrences

For your consultation, please upload clear images of affected areas in good lighting to help our doctors provide the most accurate assessment.

🔴 Red Flags: Seek prompt medical attention if cold sores spread to your eyes, are extremely widespread, or if you develop a high fever or other severe symptoms.

Eczema (atopic dermatitis) causes dry, itchy, inflamed skin that can appear red, cracked, or rough. Our GPs can:

• Assess your eczema type and severity
• Recommend appropriate moisturisers and skincare products
• Prescribe topical treatments including steroids or calcineurin inhibitors (e.g. tacrolimus)
• Suggest strategies to identify and avoid triggers
• Create a management plan for flare-ups
• Monitor your progress with follow-up consultations

Regular follow-up can help manage this chronic condition effectively.

For your consultation, please upload clear images of affected areas in good lighting to help our doctors provide the most accurate assessment.

🔴 Red Flags: Seek in-person care if you develop signs of skin infection such as increased pain, warmth, swelling, yellow or green discharge, or if you have extensive eczema that is not responding to treatment.

Fungal skin infections, including ringworm (tinea corporis), jock itch (tinea cruris), and fungal nail infections (onychomycosis), can be effectively assessed through telehealth. Our GPs can:

• Identify different types of fungal infections based on their appearance and location
• Recommend appropriate antifungal treatments
• Advise on preventing spread to other parts of the body or to other people
• Monitor response to treatment
• Determine when oral medications might be necessary for nail infections

For your consultation, please upload clear images of affected areas in good lighting to help our doctors provide the most accurate assessment.

🔴 Red Flags: While fungal infections are rarely dangerous, seek in-person care if the infection is extensive, causes significant pain, or if there are signs of secondary bacterial infection.

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes rapid skin cell growth, resulting in thick, scaly patches. Our GPs can:

• Assess the type and severity of your psoriasis
• Recommend topical treatments to manage symptoms
• Prescribe appropriate medications
• Provide advice on triggers and lifestyle factors
• Monitor your condition and treatment response
• Refer to dermatologists for severe or extensive cases

For effective assessment, please upload clear images of affected areas showing the scale, redness, and extent of the condition.

🔴 Red Flags: While psoriasis flares are not typically dangerous, seek prompt medical care if you develop a widespread, painful rash with fever, as this could indicate a rare but serious complication called erythrodermic psoriasis.

Common causes of skin rashes include allergic reactions, infections, heat, certain medications, and underlying medical conditions.

Our GPs can assess many types of rashes, including:

• Allergic reactions
• Heat rash
• Contact dermatitis
• Viral rashes
• Fungal infections
• Eczema flare-ups

For your consultation, please upload clear images of affected areas in good lighting to help our doctors provide the most accurate assessment.

Based on the appearance, distribution, and your associated symptoms, our GPs can recommend appropriate treatments including creams, antihistamines, or antibiotics when necessary. They can also provide advice on preventing future outbreaks and managing itching or discomfort.

🔴 Red Flags: Seek emergency care for rashes accompanied by:

• Severe swelling or difficulty breathing (possible severe allergic reaction)
• Rapid spreading across the body
• Small purple spots that don’t fade when pressed (petechiae)
• High fever with headache
• Visual sensitivity to light (photophobia)
• Stiff neck
• Confusion or excessive drowsiness

The combination of rash, fever, photophobia, and neck stiffness could indicate meningitis, which is a life-threatening condition requiring emergency treatment.

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition primarily affecting the face, causing redness, visible blood vessels, and sometimes small bumps. Our GPs can:

• Assess your rosacea type and severity
• Recommend appropriate skincare products
• Prescribe topical treatments to reduce inflammation
• Discuss trigger avoidance (such as certain foods, alcohol, or temperature extremes)
• Monitor your condition over time
• Refer to dermatologists for severe cases

🔴 Red Flags: Rosacea itself is not dangerous, but seek medical attention if you develop eye symptoms like grittiness, pain, or vision changes, as ocular rosacea can affect eyesight if untreated.

Skin infections like cellulitis cause redness, swelling, warmth, and tenderness in the affected area. Through HelloDoc, our doctors can:

• Assess the likely nature and severity of your skin infection
• Recommend appropriate antibiotics when indicated
• Provide advice on home care measures
• Determine if in-person assessment is needed
• Arrange appropriate follow-up

While many mild skin infections can be managed via telehealth, more severe infections may require in-person evaluation.

🔴 Red Flags: Seek immediate medical attention if you have:

• A rapidly spreading infection
• Red streaks extending from the infection
• Fever or chills
• Significant pain or swelling
• Blistering or open wounds
• Infection near your eyes or other sensitive areas

To get the most out of your HelloDoc skin consultation:

1. Take clear, well-lit photos of the affected area(s) from multiple angles
2. Include a size reference in at least one photo (such as a coin)
3. Upload images before your consultation using our secure platform
4. Have good lighting during your video consultation

Urinary incontinence involves the involuntary leakage of urine and can significantly impact quality of life. Our GPs can:

• Discuss the pattern of your symptoms to help identify the likely type of incontinence (stress, urge, mixed, or overflow)
• Consider possible contributing factors based on your medical history
• Recommend appropriate pelvic floor exercises
• Suggest bladder training techniques
• Provide advice on lifestyle modifications that may help
• Prescribe medications for certain types of incontinence when appropriate
• Arrange appropriate next steps, which may include in-person assessment

While a detailed history can suggest the likely type of incontinence, definitive diagnosis often requires physical examination, bladder diary analysis, and sometimes specialised testing. Our GPs can provide initial guidance based on your symptoms, but may recommend in-person assessment for a comprehensive evaluation.

🔴 Red Flags: Seek prompt medical attention if incontinence:

• Begins suddenly with no obvious cause
• Is accompanied by pain, blood in urine, or fever
• Occurs with neurological symptoms like weakness or numbness
• Follows recent trauma or surgery
• Is associated with difficulty emptying your bladder completely

Interstitial cystitis (painful bladder syndrome) is a chronic condition causing bladder pressure, bladder pain, and sometimes pelvic pain. For patients with an established diagnosis, our GPs can help with ongoing management by:

• Reviewing your current symptoms and treatment effectiveness
• Discussing dietary and lifestyle modifications to reduce flare-ups
• Adjusting medications to manage pain and other symptoms
• Providing advice on stress management techniques
• Monitoring your response to treatment
• Coordinating with specialist care when needed

While initial diagnosis of interstitial cystitis typically requires specialist assessment, many aspects of ongoing care can be provided via telehealth.

🔴 Red Flags: Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe, sudden pain, difficulty urinating, high fever, or if your symptoms worsen dramatically, as these could indicate complications requiring urgent care.

Prostatitis involves inflammation of the prostate gland, which can cause pelvic pain, urinary problems, sexual dysfunction, and sometimes fever. Our GPs can:

• Assess your symptoms and their impact on your daily life
• Discuss possible causes based on your symptoms and history
• Recommend initial treatments including appropriate antibiotics for bacterial prostatitis
• Suggest pain management strategies
• Advise on lifestyle modifications that may help
• Determine if in-person assessment or specialist referral is needed

While initial assessment and treatment can often begin via telehealth, some cases may require physical examination, urine testing, or other investigations for definitive diagnosis.

🔴 Red Flags: Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• High fever with chills
• Complete inability to urinate
• Severe pain that is not relieved by over-the-counter pain medication
• Blood in urine or semen
• Pain with severe swelling in the genital area

Urinary tract infections are common and typically cause symptoms such as frequent urination, burning sensation when urinating, and cloudy or strong-smelling urine. Our GPs can:

• Assess your symptoms to determine if they’re consistent with a UTI
• Prescribe appropriate antibiotics when indicated
• Recommend pain relief measures
• Provide advice on preventing future UTIs
• Determine if further investigation might be needed for recurrent UTIs
• Arrange follow-up if symptoms don’t improve

For straightforward UTIs in otherwise healthy individuals, telehealth consultation is often sufficient for diagnosis and treatment.

🔴 Red Flags: Seek prompt medical attention if you experience:

• High fever (above 38.5°C/101.3°F) with pain in your back or side
• Nausea and vomiting along with urinary symptoms
• Blood in your urine
• Symptoms that worsen despite antibiotic treatment
• UTI symptoms during pregnancy

If you experience frequent urinary tract infections (generally defined as 2 or more infections within 6 months or 3 or more within a year), our GPs can:

• Review your history of UTIs and previous treatments
• Discuss potential underlying causes
• Recommend preventive strategies
• Consider prophylactic antibiotics in certain cases
• Arrange appropriate investigations
• Refer to specialists when needed

Recurrent UTIs often require more comprehensive evaluation than single episodes, but initial assessment and management can begin via telehealth.

🔴 Red Flags: Seek prompt medical attention if you develop fever, flank pain, blood in urine, or if UTI symptoms persist despite treatment, as these may indicate kidney infection or other complications.

Having an Overactive bladder can involve frequent, sudden urges to urinate that may be difficult to control, sometimes leading to incontinence. Our GPs can:

• Assess your symptoms and their impact on your daily life
• Discuss lifestyle modifications that may help
• Recommend bladder training techniques
• Prescribe medications when appropriate
• Provide guidance on pelvic floor exercises
• Determine if further investigation might be beneficial

Most cases of overactive bladder can be initially managed through telehealth, though some may ultimately require specialist referral for advanced treatments.

🔴 Red Flags: While overactive bladder itself is not dangerous, seek medical attention if you experience sudden changes in bladder function with pain, blood in urine, or neurological symptoms, as these may indicate other conditions requiring evaluation.

For any concerns surrounding contraception, our GPs are here to help:

• Discuss the various contraceptive options, including their mechanisms of action
• Discuss the various methods that are safe for you depending on your health history and preferences
• Management of side effects from contraceptive methods
• Information about fertility awareness methods for those interested in natural approaches (e.g., Natural Family Planning)

Hormonal contraception may not be suitable for everyone. A thorough assessment of your medical history, family history, and lifestyle factors is required to ensure the method is safe for you.

⚠️ Important Notes:

• Emergency contraception is not prescribed on HelloDoc as it requires careful assessment of timing, pregnancy status, and medical history to ensure safe and effective use. If needed, we can help direct you to appropriate local services where proper evaluation can be conducted.
• Medical termination of pregnancy is not provided through HelloDoc. These services require in-person clinical assessment, laboratory testing, ultrasound confirmation of gestational age, and close follow-up monitoring, which cannot be adequately provided via telehealth.

🔴 Red Flags: Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe headache, chest pain, shortness of breath, severe leg pain or swelling, or vision changes while using hormonal contraceptives, as these could indicate serious complications.

Dysmenorrhoea refers to painful menstrual periods, which can range from mild discomfort to severe pain that interferes with daily activities. Our GPs can:

• Assess your symptoms and their impact on your daily life
• Recommend appropriate pain management strategies
• Prescribe medications to reduce pain and inflammation
• Discuss hormonal treatments that may help manage symptoms
• Explore lifestyle factors that might influence period pain
• Determine if further investigation might be needed

While primary dysmenorrhoea (period pain without an underlying condition) can be effectively managed via telehealth, severe or worsening pain might require in-person assessment to rule out conditions like endometriosis.

🔴 Red Flags: Seek prompt medical attention if you experience:

• Sudden, severe abdominal pain
• Heavy bleeding (soaking through a pad or tampon every hour)
• Fever with abdominal pain
• Symptoms that significantly worsen or change

If you’re concerned about fertility or planning to conceive, our GPs can provide initial guidance and support. Through HelloDoc, we can:

• Discuss factors affecting fertility based on your medical history
• Provide advice on timing of intercourse to optimise chances of conception
• Recommend lifestyle modifications to support fertility
• Suggest initial investigations when appropriate
• Refer to fertility specialists when needed

While comprehensive fertility assessment typically requires in-person evaluation and specific testing, our GPs can provide valuable initial guidance and appropriate referrals.

Menopause is a natural biological process marking the end of menstrual cycles, typically occurring in the late 40s to early 50s. Our GPs can:

• Assess your symptoms and their impact on your quality of life
• Discuss treatment options, including hormone replacement therapy (HRT) when appropriate
• Prescribe treatments to manage specific symptoms like hot flashes or vaginal dryness
• Provide advice on lifestyle modifications to help manage symptoms
• Offer guidance on maintaining bone health and general wellbeing
• Monitor treatment effectiveness and adjust as needed

Menopause management is well-suited to telehealth consultations, with regular follow-ups to ensure treatments remain effective and appropriate.

🔴 Red Flags: While menopause itself is not dangerous, seek medical attention if you experience:

• Unusual or unexpected vaginal bleeding after menopause
• Severe mood changes that affect daily functioning
• Significant cognitive changes
• Symptoms that don’t respond to treatment or worsen unexpectedly

Menstrual irregularities include changes in cycle length, flow volume, or bleeding patterns. Our GPs can:

• Assess your menstrual pattern and recent changes
• Explore potential causes based on your age and health history
• Recommend appropriate investigations when needed
• Discuss management options, including hormonal treatments
• Provide guidance on when specialist referral might be beneficial

Many menstrual irregularities can be effectively assessed and managed via telehealth, though some may ultimately require in-person evaluation or specialised testing.

🔴 Red Flags: Seek prompt medical attention for:

• Extremely heavy bleeding (e.g. soaking through protection every hour for 2+ hours)
• Severe pain not relieved by over-the-counter pain medication
• Bleeding between periods or after intercourse
• Significant menstrual changes if you’re over 45

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder causing enlarged ovaries with small cysts, irregular periods, and high levels of androgens (male hormones). For patients with diagnosed PCOS, our GPs can provide ongoing management support including:

• Review of your current symptoms and treatment effectiveness
• Advice on weight management and lifestyle modifications
• Prescription of appropriate medications to manage symptoms
• Monitoring for potential complications
• Guidance on fertility considerations if relevant
• Coordination with specialist care when needed

While initial diagnosis of PCOS typically requires blood tests and an ultrasound scan, many aspects of ongoing management can be effectively handled through telehealth.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) involves a combination of physical and emotional symptoms that occur in the days before menstruation. Our GPs can:

• Assess your symptoms and their timing in relation to your cycle
• Recommend lifestyle modifications that may help reduce symptoms
• Discuss supplement options like calcium or vitamin B6
• Prescribe medications to help manage symptoms when appropriate
• Provide strategies for coping with emotional symptoms
• Consider hormonal treatments for severe symptoms

🔴 Red Flags: While PMS itself is not dangerous, seek medical attention if symptoms become severe enough to interfere significantly with daily functioning or if you experience thoughts of self-harm.

Changes in vaginal discharge can indicate various conditions, from normal hormonal fluctuations to infections. Our GPs can:

• Assess your symptoms based on your description
• Determine the likely cause of abnormal discharge
• Prescribe appropriate treatments for common infections
• Provide advice on vaginal health and hygiene
• Determine if in-person assessment might be needed

Many common causes of abnormal discharge, such as thrush (candidiasis) or bacterial vaginosis, can be diagnosed and treated via telehealth based on symptom patterns.

🔴 Red Flags: Seek prompt medical attention if discharge is accompanied by:

• Severe pelvic pain
• High fever
• Unusual bleeding
• Recent abortion or miscarriage
• Pregnancy
• Foul-smelling discharge with significant abdominal pain

Common vaginal infections include thrush (candidiasis) and bacterial vaginosis, which can cause symptoms like unusual discharge, itching, irritation, or odour. Our GPs can:

• Assess your symptoms to identify the likely type of infection
• Prescribe appropriate antifungal or antibiotic treatments
• Provide advice on preventing recurrent infections
• Discuss partner treatment when relevant
• Determine if further investigation might be needed for recurrent infections

🔴 Red Flags: Seek prompt medical attention if you experience:

• Severe pelvic pain
• High fever
• Symptoms that worsen despite treatment
• Pregnancy with symptoms of infection

In addition to addressing specific concerns, HelloDoc can help with preventive health measures for women, including:

• Cervical screening advice – Information about cervical screening programs and guidance on when to attend in-person appointments
• Breast awareness – Advice on breast self-examination and when to seek assessment for breast changes
• Bone health – Recommendations for maintaining bone density, especially around menopause
• Sexual health screening – Arrangement of appropriate tests and advice on reducing risks
• Preconception care – Guidance on preparing for pregnancy, including folic acid supplementation and lifestyle modifications