Clinical Skills

Question 1

What is purpura?

Answer 1

Red rash that does not blanche on pressure, due to extravasation of blood. May be raised.

Question 2

What is petechia?

Answer 2

A smaller 1-2mm area of flat purpura

Question 3

What is erythema?

Answer 3

Red rash due to vascular dilatation, blanches on pressure

Question 4

Describe hypo and hyperpigmentation

Answer 4

Hypopimentation
- lack of melanin
   • Hyperpigmentation
- increased melanin
- haemosiderin (deposited in skin)
- direct chemical staining

Question 5

Flat lesions are level with the normal skin- describe two types?

Answer 5

With both there is a localised colour change
• Macule < 1cm
• Patch > 1cm

Question 6

Raised lesions can be felt above the skin surface- describe two types?

Answer 6

localised elevated area • Papule < 0.5 cm

• nodule > 0.5 cm

Question 7

If a lesion has a raised edge but a flatter surface and is more than 1cm it is called a …

Answer 7

plaque

Question 8

If a raised lesion is compressible it is a …

Answer 8

wheal

Question 9

If a raised lesion is fluid filled it is a …..

Answer 9

Vesicle < 0.5cm OR Bulla > 0.5cm

Question 10

If a raised lesion is a nodule containing semi- solid material it is a ….

Answer 10

cyst

Question 11

If a raised lesion is pus filled it is a ….

Answer 11

pustule

Question 12

What is the difference between an erosion and an ulcer?

Answer 12

Erosion – superficial break in epidermis

Ulcer – deeper break into dermis

Question 13

What is an annular rash?

Answer 13

The lesions appear as circular or ovoid macules or patches with an erythematous periphery and central clearing

Question 14

What is a confluent rash?

Answer 14

All the lesions are merging together