Glossary of terms: S

pertaining to the part of the skeletal system that includes the sacrum and the ilium bones of the pelvis.

inflammation of the sacroiliac joint.

the composite bone at the base of the spine, forming the back of the pelvis.

is a chemical that helps remove scale on lesions. This then allows topical medications to better penetrate the skin.

Syndrome Acne-Pustulosis-Hyperostosis-Osteitis. The syndrome has common conditions together which include synovitis, acne, hyperostosis, pustulosis and osteitis

a skin infection caused by the infestation of mites which burrow into the skin and lay their eggs. The burrowing causes intense itching.

thin flakes on the skin surface.

is sometimes associated in people with inflammatory arthritis, the symptoms are an inflammation of the white outer coating of the eye known as the sclera.Treatment with NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), such as ibuprofen, are used for pain relief. Corticosteroids (oral) and an eye solutions are used to treat scleritis. Antibiotics may be prescribed as well. Using standard eye drops will not treat the condition.

a rare disease which produces hardening of the skin which becomes smooth, shiny and tight. The skin of the face may shrink so much that it becomes difficult to open the mouth fully.

a term used for large, smooth modules under the skin which are most commonly found on the scalp, face, ear and genitals. The cyst contains a smooth yellow cheesy material.

are names given to a group of diseases of the skin, in which the sebaceous oil-forming glands are at fault.

a combination of a powder and liquid that must be shaken before being applied to the skin.

a Japanese method of massage using gentle finger pressure rather than needles. This Oriental therapy which combines finger pressure on acupuncture points with gentle mobilisation of joints works by enhancing the flow of vital energy through the body.

these are adverse events which could happen whilst taking a particular drug and are generally listed following reporting during a trial or after a drug has been in use in the general population as often they are not discovered until that stage.

a doctor who specialises in a particular disease such as psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis often based in a hospital.

an orthopedic device for immobilization, restraint, or support of any part of the body. It may be rigid (of metal, plaster or wood) or flexible (of felt or leather).

(spon~dil~i~tis) inflammation of vertebrae (spine).

any diseased or deformed state of the vertebrae (spine).

is an operation which is used to salvage toes which have developed into a claw deformity. The operation is often for toes which have fused or are in a fixed position and therefore cause pain. The aim is to release the bones by the reposition of the plantar plate under the metatarsal head. Afterwards the toe may look shorter, but pain can be improved.

an infection caused by bacteria. Almost any organ of the body can be involved.

an abbreviated word for corticosteroids, which are powerful drugs used to control inflammation and itching of the skin. Very often this is shortened to ‘steroids’ causing people to confuse their skin treatments with the anabolic steroids used for body-building.

any emotional, physical, social, economic, or other factor that requires a response or change.

an area of the brain is deprived of its blood supply - most commonly caused by a blockage (Ischaemic stroke) or burst blood vessel (Haemorrhagic stroke). A transient ischaemic attack (TIA), sometimes called a 'mini-stroke' is when some brain function is temporarily lost because of a short-lived disruption of the blood supply.

is the inflammation of one of the glands at the edge of the eyelid.

beneath the skin.

is a healthcare professional who treats people by cutting or repairing parts of the body.

is a term applied to a group of symptoms occuurring together regularly, such as SAPHO Syndrome.

the connective-tissue membrane that lines the cavity of a synovial joint and produces the synovial fluid. Also called synovium.

inflammation of a joint.

pertaining to a substance that is produced by an artificial rather than a natural process or material.

referring to the body as a whole.

is a progressive and potentially serious disease. It can affect nearly every organ in the body. Among the complications that may be seen are inflammation of the membrane lining the heart and the smooth membranous sac enveloping the heart, pleurisy, kidney lesions and disorders of the central nervous system and skin rash.

drugs that affect the whole body.