Glossary

Localised reaction, induced by an attack on the tissues, to eliminate, dilute or imprison the agent responsible for the attack, as well as the damaged tissue. The inflammation is clinically characterised by pain, heat, redness, oedemas, and the loss of function. There are two types of inflammation: acute, for example, caused by excessive exposure to the sun (sunburn), and chronic inflammation caused by inflammatory diseases or bacteria. Chronic inflammation causes premature ageing of tissue (the skin for example).