Glossary of terms: B

are small cells that can cause diseases such as sore throats, tonsillitis, ear infections, etc although not all bacteria are bad. Good bacterial live in the intestines and help to use the nutrients in the food we eat and help to make waste from what is left over.

is the professional organisation for Trainee, Consultant and Non-Consultant Career Grade (NCCG) dermatologists in the UK and Eire. Established in 1920, it is a registered charity with an incorporated body of trustees, the Executive Committee, who are all dermatologists elected by the membership. The Officers, supported by the professional staff carry out the day to day business from Willan House, the headquarters building in central London

A swelling behind the knee which contains fluid, common in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, and sometimes psoriatic arthritis.

drugs made from natural proteins using biotechnology

is the use of recombinant DNA, cell fusion, and new bioprocessing techniques applied to research and product development.

are darker and sometimes coloured patches on the skin that are either present at birth, or develop very soon afterwards the most common of which is known as the “strawberry” birthmark. Most birthmarks are harmless and don't need any treatment. However, occasionally there are medical reasons that mean it's necessary for the birthmark to be treated. You may also wish to have treatment for cosmetic reasons.

are caused by dried plugs of fatty material in the ducts of the sebaceous (oil secreting) glands of the skin causing a black colour at the surface of the plugs. Blackheads should never be squeezed as this increases the risk of infection.

is a crusty scaling of the eyelid which can be fairly common in children.

are the outpouring of fluid under the outer layer of the skin as a result of local damage. They can often be caused by friction on tender skin (on the hands from unusual physical work or on the feet by ill fitting shoes) by heat (as in burns and scalds) and also by irritating chemicals. Blisters should be kept clean to avoid infection.

are painful red swellings in the skin caused by a bacterial infection of a hair follicle or sweat gland. They are contagious via the pus (bacterial) and therefore if left untreated could develop into further boils or in extreme cases to blood poisoning.

involves a series of detailed gentle moves combined with rest periods, which are performed over a period of up to one hour. The goal is to cause a reset of the body systems and reinvigorate the body’s self-healing processes.

head office is based in London is a registered charity. Its principal activity is to advance knowledge of arthritis and other muscoloskeletal conditions

Damage caused to the skin by either dry or wet heat. The severity of burns is assessed by the amount of skin that is damaged.

• First degree burns cause reddening of the skin and affect the top layer of the skin only
• Second degree burns cause the formation of blisters
• Third degree burns destroy the full skin thickness leaving the area looking white or charred.

is a fibrous sac between certain tendons and the bones beneath them