Immunsystem: Ein Arzt tastet mit seinen Händen die Halslymphknoten einer Frau ab. Die Frau schaut dabei nach oben und wirkt angespannt.

Immune system

The immune system protects the body from diseases by combating hazardous substances and pathogens. However, this complex system is far from immune to disorders of its own. Both depressed and overactive immune responses can make people ill, for example by causing autoimmune diseases. Inappropriate immune responses can also cause allergies.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is an inflammatory, non-contagious skin condition. It is characterized by reddish, flaky skin that may be itchy.

Find out more

Neurodermatitis

People with neurodermatitis often get a rash and a nagging itching. This skin condition often occurs in children. Learn more about neurodermatitis and the treatment options.

Find out more

HIV and AIDS

The HIV virus infects immune cells and weakens the immune system. The serious illnesses caused by HIV are called AIDS.

Find out more

Allergies

An allergy occurs when the immune system has an overly sensitive reaction to a harmless substance such as plant pollen. There are various ways to treat an allergy.

Find out more

Asthma

Asthma is a chronic disease that causes a narrowing of the airways. An asthma attack makes breathing difficult. Asthma is treated effectively with medication.

Find out more

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis typically causes chronic inflammation of multiple joints. As a result, the joints can become deformed and stiff over time.

Find out more

Rosacea

Rosacea, a common inflammatory disease of the facial skin, causes redness, pustules, and small visible blood vessels on the face.

Find out more

Type 1 Diabetes

With type 1 diabetes, the pancreas produces very little or no insulin. Those with the disease must administer a daily injection. This is how their body receives the vital hormone.

Find out more

Hay fever

Many children and adults are affected by hay fever in the spring and summer months, when plants grow and bloom. It is caused by an allergic reaction to pollen in the air, affecting the upper airways.

Find out more

Dust mite allergy

In dust mite allergies, it isn’t the dust itself that causes the symptoms. Instead, the symptoms such as sneezing are triggered by substances that are mainly found in the dust mites’ feces.

Find out more

Insect venom allergy

Insect stings or bites usually leave behind nothing more than a small red mark. But someone who has an insect venom allergy will react very severely. It can even be life-threatening.

Find out more

Contact allergy

A contact allergy can cause severe skin reactions. The symptoms only become noticeable after 1 to 3 days.

Find out more

Oral herpes

With oral herpes, particular herpes viruses cause painful blisters to form. The condition heals on its own in one to 2 weeks. No treatment is normally required.

Find out more

Medication allergy

Medication can also have undesired effects. These side effects include allergic reactions.

Find out more

Food allergy

People with a food allergy usually react to even very small quantities. What are the typical symptoms? How is a food allergy treated?

Find out more

Oral thrush (oral candidiasis)

If a person's mouth constantly feels furry, it may be caused by oral thrush. It is rarely dangerous, but often unpleasant.

Find out more

Underactive thyroid

With an underactive thyroid the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. This slows down the metabolism. People affected often feel lethargic, have a low heart rate and constipation.

Find out more

Animal allergy

In an animal allergy it is not the fur that causes a reaction, but proteins that are found in the animal’s saliva, for instance. Avoiding contact with the animal can help, as can taking medication.

Find out more