Glossary of terms: M

red blood cells of increased size. May be found in patients treated with azathioprine, methotrexate or sulfasalazine.

cells that destroy foreign antigens and initiate T-cell formation, also called an ‘antigen-presenting cell’.

is an alternative form of treatment for the relief of pain. High density magnets draw fresh blood to the affected area which in turn stimulates blood flow which carries away toxic materials which cause the pain. This not only brings great relief from the pain but also speeds up the healing process.

is skin test for tuberculosis. Until 2005 to determine if the Bacillus of Calmette and Guérin (BCG) vaccine was needed. Patients who exhibit a negative reaction to the test may be offered BCG vaccination. Patients being offered biological treatments for psoriasis are recommended to have a Mantoux test. If they fit the criteria laid down in the British Association of Dermatologists guidelines for use of biological interventions in psoriasis. For the treatment of arthritis as recommended in Assessing, managing and monitoring biologic therapies for inflammatory arthritis. Guidance for rheumatology practitioners.

is where, the surface of the body is rubbed, kneaded or pressed in order to stimulate the skin or deeper tissue with the use of fingers, hands or other equipment or appliances. Different types of massage can be gentle stroking to soothe (such as applying topical treatments) or vigorous methods to stimulate the circulation of blood.

means a condition where the stools (faeces) are dark or black, due to bleeding from the stomach or higher part of the bowel.

is the most serious type of skin cancer. It begins in skin cells called melanocytes. Melanocytes are the cells that make melanin, which gives skin its color. When people spend time in the sunlight, the melanocytes make more melanin and cause the skin to tan. If the skin receives too much sunlight, the melanocytes may begin to grow abnormally and become cancerous. This condition is called melanoma. The first sign of melanoma is often a change in the size, shape, or color of a mole. But melanoma can also appear on the body as a new mole.

is sometimes called "pencil in cup". A characteristic radiographic feature of psoriatic arthritis. Other features include joint erosions, joint space narrowing, bony proliferation including periarticular and shaft periostitis, osteolysis including deformity and acro-osteolysis, ankylosis, spur formation, and spondylitis.

an agent prescribed for the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis.

the body who regulate licensing of drugs used in humans.

make the skin much more comfortable – they decrease the dryness, scaling, cracking, soreness and itching. They allow other active treatments (eg tar, vitamin D) to work more effectively.

a blemish on the skin which maybe present at birth or may develop over time. Moles are made up of clusters of naevus cells which contain the pigment melanin. They can be small or large, flat or raised, smooth, hairy or warty. They vary in colour from yellowish brown to black.

antibodies created with biotechnology techniques in laboratories that are highly specific and ‘recognise’ and target only one molecule, such as a receptor, or antigen.

uses magnetic fields and radio signals to compose images of body slice by slice without using x-rays.

the viscous, slippery secretions of mucous membranes and glands containing mucin, white blood cells, water, inorganic salts and exfoliated cells.

is a group of people each using their own specialised skills but working together as a team.

is tissue that by its virtue has power of contraction.

is a term relating to the bones and/or the muscles.