septic arthritis
SA
sacrum
A section of the lower backbone that consists of five vertebrae that are fused together.
saddle anaesthesia
Loss of sensation to the buttocks.
salpingitis
An infection and inflammation of the fallopian tubes.
sarcoidosis
A rare disease of unknown cause in which there is inflammation of tissues throughout the body.
sarcoma
Cancer of the connective tissues.
scabies
A contagious skin infection caused by a tiny mite.
scar tissue
A type of connective tissue that forms after a wound heals.
scarlet fever
An uncommon infectious disease, most often seen in childhood, that is caused by a strain of the streptococcal bacteria.
SCC
squamous cell carcinoma
Schirmer's test
A test that determines whether the eye produces enough tears to keep it moist.
schistosomiasis
A parasitic disease common in the tropics in which a tiny worm burrows through the skin and spreads around the body, causing a variety of symptoms. It is usually contracted through contact with water infested with a type of snail that harbours the parasite. The alternative name is bilharzia.
schizophrenia
A psychiatric disorder featuring psychosis along with disordered speech, thinking and behaviour and often accompanied by hallucinations and withdrawal from ordinary social interactions.
sciatica
Pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve, which is the main nerve in each leg and the largest nerve in the body.
sclera
The white of the eye.
scleroderma
an autoimmune disease that targets connective tissue.
scoliosis
Curvature of the spine.
screening
A way to identify people who may have a certain condition, among a group of people who may or may not seem to
scrotum
The sac that contains the testes.
scurvy
A condition caused by a deficency of vitamin C.
sebaceous
Relating to a sebaceous gland, a specialised gland in the skin producing sebum, an oily material that helps to lubricate and protect skin and hair.
seborrhoeic dermatitis
A red, scaly rash that develops on the face, scalp, chest and back. It often develops during times of stress and is probably caused by an excess growth of yeast on the skin.
seborrhoeic eczema
Irritated and inflamed skin, typically starting on the scalp (dandruff) and spreading to the face. It is linked with a yeast infection.
seborrhoeic keratosis
Benign, wart-like growths on the surface of the skin.