Definitions

Question 1

what should you assess when looking at skin lesions?

Answer 1

• distribution (widespread or localised)
• configuration (unilateral, bilateral, symmetrical, circumscribed, discrete)
• morphology

Question 2

define scale

Answer 2

accumulated fragments of the keratin layer

Question 3

define crust

Answer 3

dried exudate e.g. serum

Question 4

lichenified

Answer 4

thickening of the skin with increased markings

Question 5

erosion

Answer 5

superficial break in the epidermis

Question 6

ulcer

Answer 6

deeper break into the dermis

Question 7

fissure

Answer 7

linear split in the epidermis

Question 8

scar

Answer 8

normal tissue replaced by fibrous tissue

Question 9

atrophy

Answer 9

loss of epidermis +/- dermis

Question 10

purpura

Answer 10

extravasation of blood that does not blanche

Question 11

petechiae

Answer 11

smaller area of purpura (1-2mm)

Question 12

erythema

Answer 12

vascular dilatation that blanches

Question 13

border features

Answer 13

well defined

poorly defined

Question 14

hypopigmentation cause

Answer 14

lack of melanin

Question 15

hyperpigmentation causes

Answer 15

increased melanin
hemosiderin
direct chemical staining

Question 16

pigment changes

Answer 16

hypopigmentation

hyperpigmentation

Question 17

flat lesions

Answer 17

macule <1cm

patch >1cm

Question 18

papule

Answer 18

raised lesion <0.5cm

Question 19

nodule

Answer 19

raised lesion >0.5cm

Question 20

plaque

Answer 20

raised edge with flatter surface >1cm

Question 21

wheal

Answer 21

compressible dermal swelling

Question 22

cyst

Answer 22

nodule containing semi-solid material

Question 23

pustule

Answer 23

pus-filled

Question 24

fluid filled lesions

Answer 24

vesicle <0.5cm

bulla >0.5cm