Terminology Used to Describe Skin Lesions | | |
| Term | Description | Photo |
| Rash/eruption | Describes more widespread skin involvement that can be composed of several lesions with primary and secondary morphologiese.g., chicken pox | ![This clinical photograph shows a rash or eruption, with widespread skin involvement.]() |
| Macule | Flat lesion < 1 cm in diametere.g., freckles | ![Macule]() |
| Patch | Flat lesion > 1 cm in diametere.g., cafe-au-lait spot | ![Cafe au lait patch]() |
| Papule | Elevated lesion that is < 1 cm in diameterPalpable lesione.g., acne | ![Papule]() |
| Plaque | Elevated lesion that is > 1 cm diameterPalpablePalpable Papules and Plaquese.g., plaque psoriasis | ![Plaque]() |
| Nodule | Palpable, solid, round, or ellipsoidal lesion of dermal origine.g., erythema nodosum | ![Nodule]() |
| Vesicle | Small fluid containing lesion that is < 0.5 cme.g., zoster | ![Vesicles of HSV]() |
| Pustule | Vesicle containing purulent materialMay be white or yellowIs not always infected (e.g. sterile pustule)e.g., pustular psoriasis | ![Acneiform pustule]() |
| Wheal | Edematous papule or plaque caused by swelling in the dermise.g., urticaria | ![Urticarial wheal]() |
| Bulla | Large fluid containing lesion that is > 0.5 cmCan be multi-loculatede.g., bullous pemphigoid | ![Bulla]() |
| Cyst | Closed epithelial-lined cavity or sac containing liquid or semi-solid material Fluctuant as it contains liquide.g., epidermal inclusion cyst | ![Chalezion cyst]() |
| Purpura | Non-palpable purpurapetechiae (< 3 mm)ecchymoses (> 5 mm)Palpable purpuraIndicates extravasation of red blood cells into the skine.g., small vessel vasculitis | ![Purpura]() |
| Petechiae | Small red, purple, or brown pinpoint dots indicative of hemorrhageNon-blanchinge.g., thrombocytopenia | ![Petechiae in ITP]() |
| Ecchymoses | Purple or brown lesions covering a larger areaNon-blanchinge.g., traumatic bruise | ![https://upload.medbullets.com/topic/120040/images/pferdekuss.jpg]() |
| Lichenification | Accentuated skin markings in thick epidermis due to scratchinge.g., atopic dermatitis | ![Licheniication]() |
| Keloid | Irregular plaque-like lesion resulting from abnormal healing and extends beyond the borders of initial wound | ![Ear Keloid]() |
| Hyperkeratosis | Increased thickness of stratum corneum seen in chronic dermatitise.g., calluses | ![https://upload.medbullets.com/topic/120040/images/hyperkeratosis.jpg]() |
| Parakeratosis | Hyperkeratosis with retention of nuclei in stratum corneum and thinning of stratum granulosume.g., classic finding in psoriasis | ![https://upload.medbullets.com/topic/120040/images/parakeratosis.jpg]() |
| Annular | Ring shaped lesione.g., ringworm infection | ![https://upload.medbullets.com/topic/120040/images/yeartinfection.jpg]() |
