Hepatitis C infection (HCV) is curable but if left untreated can progress to end stage liver disease and potentially hepatocellular carcinoma. HCV management options have changed dramatically over the past five years, with improvement in cure rates and tolerability; cure rates of more than 90% can now be achieved.

Dermatophyte fungi are confined to the keratin layer of the epidermis and include three genera: Microsporum, Epidermophyton and Trichophyton. These infections can be transmitted by human contact (anthropophilic), from the soil (geophilic) and by animal (zoophilic) spread. Dermatophyte infections usually present as an erythematous, scaly eruption, which may or may not be itchy. Asymmetry is an important clinical clue to fungal infection, as is annular morphology.

It is important to distinguish between diverticulosis, the presence of asymptomatic diverticula, and diverticular disease which refers to symptomatic cases which can present with acute or chronic symptoms. Diverticular disease can be confirmed radiologically or endoscopically. Even in patients with established diverticulosis, a change in the clinical picture with development of red flag symptoms warrants urgent referral to rule out lower gastrointestinal malignancy.

Basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) and squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) are clinically and pathologically distinct and both are locally invasive. However, while BCCs rarely metastasise, SCCs have the potential to do so especially when they arise on the ears or lips. Patients with one non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) have a higher risk of developing another NMSC and of malignant melanoma.

The incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) is rising reflecting an increasingly elderly at-risk population, with multiple comorbidities, coupled with improved detection. AKI is potentially reversible so improvements in its recognition and early interventions could have a major impact on patient outcomes. Potential clues in the history for AKI include reduced fluid intake and/or increased fluid losses, urinary tract symptoms and recent drug ingestion.

One in 250 pregnancies in the UK involves diabetes. The majority of cases (87.5%) are gestational diabetes, 7.5% are type 1 and 5% are type 2 diabetes. Diabetes in pregnancy is associated with a five fold increase in risk of stillbirth and a two-fold increased risk of congenital defects compared with the general maternity population. Women with gestational diabetes have a significant lifetime risk of developing type 2 diabetes, hence diabetes screening must be undertaken on an annual basis in primary care.

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is defined as a condition which develops when the reflux of stomach contents causes troublesome symptoms and/or complications. Many patients with GORD complications such as oesophagitis and up to a third of patients with Barrett's oesophagus have no reflux or heartburn symptoms. Conversely, patients can be symptomatic even when normal reflux levels are found and there is an absence of mucosal damage.

Adverse drug reactions need to be meticulously recorded and the patient kept fully informed. Documentation should include: date of reaction; drug name (chemical and generic); route of administration; time interval between first dose and event; and nature and severity of symptoms. Written guidance should be provided on which other chemically related drugs also need to be avoided. Specialist referral is indicated for: suspected anaphylaxis; severe/life-threatening episodes e.g. Stevens-Johnson syndrome; severe NSAID reactions with ongoing need for NSAID therapy; suspected penicillin allergy (if alternative antibiotics are not available); and problems related to general and local anaesthesia.

Urticaria is characterised by transient wheals that consist of a swollen palpable centre often surrounded by an erythematous flare, associated with itching or, less commonly, a burning sensation. Individual wheals usually disappear within 1 to 24 hours leaving normal skin. The prognosis for eventual recovery from spontaneous and inducible urticaria is excellent. However, the time course is unpredictable and may extend to years, often following a relapsing and remitting course.

Diabetes risk increases exponentially with increasing BMI particularly if fat accumulates centrally and/or in the skeletal muscle, liver and other organs such as the pancreas. Those with diabetes and co-existing obesity, particularly if it is severe, are also at risk of other obesity-related conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, obstructive sleep apnoea, joint pain, many cancers and depression. Supporting patients to lose weight should be considered a key goal of diabetes care for all overweight and obese patients with type 2 diabetes.