Scabies: diagnosis and management

Scabies is a highly contagious skin infestation that can often...

Diagnosing and managing lactose intolerance

Primary lactase deficiency, the main cause of lactose intolerance,...

Managing cows' milk protein allergy in infants

Dietary avoidance of cows’ milk is the only management strategy...

Upfront: Are blood eosinophil counts helpful in predicting patient responses to inhaled corticosteroids in COPD?

The risks and benefits of treatment with inhaled corticosteroids...

When is an allergy to an antibiotic really an allergy?

The New Zealand Laboratory Schedule and Test Guidelines: Immunology Tests

Over the last few editions of Best Tests we have outlined the...

When is an allergy to an antibiotic really an allergy?

Many patients report allergies to antibiotics but often this...

Contact dermatitis: a “working” diagnosis

Contributed by: Dr Lissa Judd, Occupational Dermatologist,...

Upfront: Azithromycin: use it wisely

Growing use of azithromycin in New Zealand means that we are...

Biologic medicines for the treatment of inflammatory conditions: What does primary care need to know?

Patients with severe immune-mediated inflammatory diseases,...

Assessing wheeze in pre-school children

Wheeze in children aged less than five years has many potential...

Causes, complications and treatment of a red eye

Most cases of “red eye” seen in general practice are likely...

Diagnosis and treatment of urticaria

Urticaria is a common condition, which is usually non-allergenic,...

Appropriate use of allergy testing in primary care

Most patients with suspected allergy can be adequately managed...

Dietary advice for people with coeliac disease

People with a confirmed diagnosis of coeliac disease must adhere...

Allergy to cows' milk protein and the appropriate use of infant formula

Extensively hydrolysed formula for infants aged under six months...

Methotrexate prescribing errors can be fatal

When used and monitored correctly methotrexate can be an effective...

Investigating the Gut: Coeliac disease

Tissue transglutaminase antibodies are the most useful preliminary...

Investigating the Gut: Inflammatory bowel disease - the role of faecal calprotectin

Clinical assessment of intestinal inflammation can be problematic....

Investigating the Gut: Lactose intolerance

The role of laboratory tests in diagnosing lactose intolerance...

Non-occupational exposure to Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Rates of HIV infection are increasing in New Zealand, especially...

Seasonal allergic rhinitis

Seasonal allergic rhinitis, more commonly known as hay fever,...

TNF inhibitors - an update

Tumour necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors are used in the treatment...

Managing eczema

Eczema can have a significant impact on the lives of patients...

The treatment of psoriasis in primary care

Psoriasis is an emotionally and physically debilitating disease...

Scabies - diagnosis and management

Scabies manifests as an itchy skin rash, as a result of an allergic...

The management of anaphylaxis in primary care

Anaphylaxis is a potentially fatal hypersensitivity reaction,...

Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis

Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are chronic inflammatory...

Dietary advice for people with coeliac disease

When people are newly diagnosed with coeliac disease, their...

The investigation of coeliac disease: A follow up

Dr Richard Steele provides some clarification on the issue of...

Coeliac Disease

Coeliac disease is a common but often unrecognised disorder,...

Lactose intolerance

Lactose intolerance affects many adults and children. It is...

Testing for Coeliac disease

Anti-endomysial (EMA) antibody or anti-tissue transglutaminase...