Glossary of terms: I

a hereditary condition which is characterised by thick scale and very dry skin. Mild cases may pass off as dry skin, but in severe cases the skin looks like fish skin or alligator hide. The dry, scaly skin is usually most severe over the legs but may also involve the arms, hands, and middle of the body. Persons with this condition may also have many fine lines over the palm of the hand.

is when a wound or condition is cleansed by the use of fresh water or marine organisms such as a fish. In psoriasis the most common scenario is the use of the Doctor Fish of Kangal found in the fresh water springs of Turkey, Syria, Iraq and Iran.

the biochemical complex that protects the body against infections and other foreign bodies that lead to illness.

drugs that alter the function of the immune system.

is the name of a new medicine in development.IMP: Investigational medicinal product is the name of a new medicine in development.

is a skin infection caused by the bacterium staphylococcus aureus or streptococcus pyogenes. Impetigo causes spots containing pus (pustules) that become crusty yellow sores. It often occurs on the face around the mouth and nose. It can be treated with antibiotic creams or tablets.

is the invasion of the body by pathogenic organisms and their subsequent multiplication with this body.

reaction by tissue, for example skin, in response to infection or injury, usually involving reddening and swelling.

was developed by the Department of Health to help the public identify trustworthy health and social care information easily. At the heart of the scheme is the standard itself – a set of criteria that defines good quality health or social care information and the methods needed to produce it. To achieve the standard, organisations have to show that their processes and systems produce information that is:

• accurate
• impartial
• balanced
• evidence-based
• accessible
• well-written.

The assessment of information producers is provided by independent certification bodies accredited by The United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS). Organisations that meet The Standard can place the quality mark on their information materials and their website - a reliable symbol of quality and assurance. PAPAA became a Certified Member of the Information Standard in April 2011.

the process by which a volunteer for a clinical trial agrees to participate after being fully informed regarding purposes of the trial, risks and benefits associated with participation in the trial, and whether volunteers will be randomised to receive treatment or placebo.

the act of forcing a liquid into the body by means of a needle and syringe.

sleep problems characteristically association with difficulty falling asleep and frequently waking during the night.

acts by enabling the muscles and other tissues which require sugar for their actvity to take up this substance from the blood.The lack of insulin or the inability to produce enough insulin is found in people with diabetes.

different disease or co-morbility .

is a global organisation founded in August 2004. IPC has created programs, events, and materials that have provided a forum for psoriasis experts and health professionals to share knowledge, experiences, and insights toward optimising understanding and treatment of psoriasis.

any of the joints between the phalanges of the fingers or toes.

inflammation and chafing of the skin caused by two surfaces rubbing together. Normally occurs on the inner thighs, armpits, underside of the breasts, folds of the abdomen and between fingers and toe. There may also be scales and blisters and the affected skin may have an odour.

technique of giving medicines via a vein.

also known as flexural psoriasis and intertriginous psoriasis which is characterised by smooth, inflamed lesions in body folds.

is the analysis of patterns and structures in the iris of the eye which locates areas and stages of inflammation throughout the body. It reveals body structure, inborn strengths and weaknesses, health levels, and changes that take place in a person's body according to their way of life.