Dermatology Terminology

Question 1

Macule

Answer 1

• Flat area (< 1 cm) characterized by change in color of the skin
  1. Erythematous (red)
  2. Hyperpigmented (melanotic - black)
  3. Hemorrhagic (blood within surface of skin)

Question 2

Patch

Answer 2

• Flat area (> 1 cm) characterized by change in color of the skin
  1. Erythematous (red)
  2. Hyperpigmented (melanotic - black)
  3. Hemorrhagic (blood within surface of skin)

Question 3

Papule

Answer 3

• Small Solid elevation of the skin (< 1 cm)

Question 4

Plaque

Answer 4

• Coalescing papules

Question 5

Pustule

Answer 5

• Evolution of the papule
• Small, Pus-filled elevation of epidermis
• Follicular/Non-Follicular/Pan-Follicular

Question 6

Vesicle

Answer 6

• Small elevation of the skin which is filled with clear fluid ( < 1 cm)

Question 7

Bulla(e)

Answer 7

• Small elevation of the skin which is filled with clear fluid ( > 1 cm)

Question 8

Wheal

Answer 8

• “Hive”, or Urticaria
• Well circumscribed, raised area of dermal edema
• Usually erythematous
• Transient

Question 9

Nodule/Tumour

Answer 9

• Solid elevation greater than 1 cm
• variable depth + attached to underlying tissues
• Inflammatory, or Neoplastic

Question 10

Erythema

Answer 10

• Redness of the skin
• Focal, or Generalized (erythroderma)
• BLANCHES ON DIASCOPY (differentiates it from hemorrhage)

Question 11

Epidermal Collarette

Answer 11

• Ring of lifting keratin in a circle

- Represents a ruptured pustule or vesicle

Question 12

Erosion vs Ulcer

Answer 12

• Defect in the epidermis

Question 13

Erosion

Answer 13

• Defect extends into the epidermis ONLY

- -> Raw Skin, but NOT Bloody

Question 14

Ulcer

Answer 14

• Defect extends past the basement membrane and into the DERMIS
• -> Deep and bloody

Question 15

Fissure

Answer 15

• Linear Ulcer

Question 16

Excoriation

Answer 16

• Self-induced erosion (due to pruritis)

Question 17

Lichenification

Answer 17

• Thickening of the skin (Wrinkles, or Elephant skin)
• Secondary to chronic trauma (pruritis) and inflammation*
• More common in glabrous regions (non-haired = inguinal + axilla)**
• Usually accompanied by hyperpigmentation!*

Question 18

Scar

Answer 18

• Area of fibrous tissue that has replaced damaged dermis, or subcutaneous tissue
• Most scars are Alopecic, Atrophic and Hypopigmented**

Question 19

Alopecia

Answer 19

• Lack of hair where it is normally present
• Complete alopecia
• Partial alopecia (hypotrichosis)
• Patchy Alopecia - multifocal areas

Question 20

Scale

Answer 20

• “Dandruff”

- Loose fragment of stratum corneum visible to the naked eye

Question 21

Follicular Cast

Answer 21

• Plug of keratinaceous debris

- Adherent to the base of the hair shaft

Question 22

Crust

Answer 22

• Accumulation of dried exudate* adhered to the skin

- Underlying skin is excoriated/eroded/ulcerated

Question 23

Comedone

Answer 23

• Dilated hair follicle full of keratinaceous debris

- “Blackhead”

Question 24

Leukoderma

Answer 24

• White skin due to pigment loss

Question 25

Leukotrichia

Answer 25

• Loss of pigment in the hair (white hair)

Question 26

Pomeranian with sparse hair coat on the trunk. Top differential?

Answer 26

• Alopecia X

Question 27

Ventral Pruritis and alopecia in dog. Top differential?

Answer 27

• Sarcoptic Mange

Question 28

Caudal (“Pants”) Pruritis and Alopecia in dog. Top differential?

Answer 28

• Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD)