Glossary of terms: T

cells that either initiate the immune response (helper T-cells) or actively target and destroy cells perceived as foreign (killer T-cells).

molecules on the surface of T-cells that are the sites for macrophages to ‘pre- sent’ antigens to the T-cell and trigger an immune response.

a man-made radio-active element used in isotope scans.

an increase in the size of blood vessels beneath the skin causing redness and an appearance of broken veins. Most commonly found on the nose and cheeks.

a type of white blood cell within the immune system.

is the inflammation and damage to blood vessels that supply the head area. When the inflammation affects the arteries in the neck, upper body and arms, it is called giant cell arteritis. In approximately 1 in 4 cases the disorder may be present with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). Other diseases related with temporal arteritis are systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis and severe infections.

any one of many white, glistening bands of dense fibrous connective tissue that attach muscle to bone.

a reduced number of platelets in the blood. This may be a cause of bruising or bleeding and is a potential side-effect from a number of treatments, hence the need for regular blood monitoring.

is an inflammation of the costochondral cartilages of the upper front of the chest. Patients with Tietze syndrome develop tenderness and swelling over the ribs and cartilage near the breast bone Swelling, redness, tenderness, and heat can be present. The pain can vary and is often confused with heart pain, and can last from hours to weeks. It can cause difficulty with sleeping and even rolling over in bed is sometimes painful. Blood testing can show signs of inflammation in patients with Tietze syndrome, whereas blood tests on patients with costochondritis alone typically have normal tests for inflammation.

a collection of similar cells acting together to perform a particular function.

application of medicine is applied to the skin whereas preparations for oral use are taken by mouth.

are creams for the treatment of mild to moderate pain caused by arthritis. These are usually only available on prescription.

suppress the inflammatory reaction during use; they are not curative and on discontinuation a rebound exacerbation of the condition may occur. They are generally used to relieve symptoms and suppress signs of the disorder when other measures such as emollients are ineffective.

a poisonous substance, especially one found in the body by germs.

Physical injury caused by violent or disruptive action or by the introduction into the body of a toxic substance.

Physical injury resulting from a severe emotional shock.

an environmental factor that acts together with genetic predisposition to cause the onset or worsening of psoriasis.

a protein in the body involved in inflammatory processes that also damages tissue in and around the joints of people with psoriatic arthritis.