Glossary of terms: F

the small joints extending throughout the spine which slide up and down in movement and a source of pain when inflamed.

a condition marked by extreme tiredness and inability to function due lack of energy. Fatigue may be acute or chronic.

(from the Latin word febris) is a term used to describe a body temperature above the normal average of 37^oC (98.6^oF) It is one of the body’s defence mechanisms against bacterial and viral infection.Early symptoms include a feeling of heat and discomfort, flushed skin, increased pulse and respiration and sometimes insomnia. The most effective drug to control fever is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin or ibuprufen.

the areas where the limbs bend, bringing together two surfaces, for example, the front of the elbows and the back of the knees.

is a form of energy medicine using extracts of flowers that can be used in conjunction with traditional counselling. It offers an alternative treatment for daily stress, mild to moderate mood concerns, fears and anxieties and other emotional issues.

is a viral infection of the respiratory tract although symptoms are normally present elsewhere in the body. It is transmitted through droplets from infected people either during coughing, sneezing and also speaking. There is normally an incubation period of up to four days before the symptoms appear. Symptoms vary but can include some or all of the following. Fever, chills, cough, stuffiness, runny nose, sore throat, aches and pains all over the body, headache, loss of appetite, nausea, weakness and depression.As flu is a viral infection there is no specific drug treatment but bed rest and simple analgesics may help. Recovery periods are normally within a week.

is given to patients on methotrexate, as it reduces the likelihood of mouth ulcers and blood count abnormalities.

is a pore in the skin from which hair grows.

inflammation of the hair follicles of the skin or the scalp usually caused by bacterial infection.

a condition caused by the direct effect of freezing on the tissues, made worse by the lack of blood to the area. The skin firstly takes on a pallid colour which progresses to a reddish violet and finally to black as the tissue dies.

are chemical compounds derived from the unsaturated dicarbonic acid fumaric acid and have been used in treatment of psoriasis since 1950s. Side effects include flushing of the skin. Tolerance is limited by gastrointestinal issues.