Dermatology and rashes

Question 1

Define a Macular Rash, and give examples of conditions which classically present with one.

Answer 1

A non-palpable rash with colour changes in limited areas (Flat)

Measles, rubella

Question 2

Define a Papular Rash, and give examples of conditions which classically present with one.

Answer 2

A palpable rash with raised, solid lesions and colour changes in limited areas up to 0.5cm.

Gianotti-Crosti, pityriasis rosea

Question 3

Define a Vesicular Rash, and give examples of conditions which classically present with one.

Answer 3

Elevated lesions that are filled with a clear fluid less than 0.5cm.

Chicken Pox, Herpes Simplex, Herpes Zoster

Question 4

Define an Ulcer, and give an example of a condition which classically present with one.

Answer 4

A skin or mucous membrane lesion occurring as a result of the loss of superficial tissue, usually involving an inflammatory process.

Aphthous Ulcer

Question 5

Define a Plaque, and give an example of a condition which classically presents with one.

Answer 5

A differentiated area on a flat skin surface (may also occur on a mucous membrane.

Urticarial Plaque

Question 6

Define a Nodule, and give an example of a condition which classically presents with one.

Answer 6

A circumscribed swelling or an elevated lesion.

Nodular prurigo.

Question 7

Define Petechiae, and give an example of a condition which classically presents with one.

Answer 7

A small (<5mm) red/purple spot that is not elevated and does not blanche. Usually the result of haemorrhages of tiny blood vessels in the skin.

Meningococcal septicaemia.

Question 8

Define Purpura, and give an example of a condition which classically presents with one.

Answer 8

A red/purple spot >5mm that is not elevated and does not blanche. Usually the result of haemorrhages of tiny blood vessels in the skin.

Meningococcal septicaemia.

Question 9

Define Crusts, and give an example of a condition which classically presents with one.

Answer 9

Hard outer layer of lesions which may be due to dried serum or pus from ruptured vesicles.

Impetigo

Question 10

Define Blisters, and give an example of a condition which classically presents with one.

Answer 10

A fluid-filled structure within the epidermis or under the dermis.

Bullous impetigo
Bullous pemphagoid