Describing Skin Lesions - JKB Flashcards
What is a primary lesion?
physical changes in the skin considered to be caused directly by the disease process
What is a secondary lesion?
may evolve from primary lesions, or may be caused by external forces such as scratching, trauma, infection or the healing process.
What are the characteristics of a Macule/Patch?
- Both are flat and circumscribed discolorations
- Macules < 1 cm
- Patch > 1 cm
What are the characteristics of Papules/Plaques?
- discreet solid, elevated lesions (vary in color)
- Papule < 1 cm
- Plaque > 1 cm (sometimes formed by papules)
What are the characteristics of Cysts/Nodules/Tumors?
- closed cavity or sac with fluid or semisolid material
- cyst < 1 cm
- Nodule > 1 cm (large nodule can be referred to as a tumor
What are the characteristics of a wheal (hive)?
an area of edema in the upper epidermis
What are the characteristics of crusts/scales?
Crust: hardened layer of serum, blood, purulent exudate
Scale: excess stratum corneum
What are the characteristics of lichenification/burrows?
- Lichenification: thickening of skin. Accentuation of normal skin lines. Result of chronic scratching
- Burrows-linear tunnels within the epidermis produced by a parasite
What are fluid filled lesions called?
- Vesicles (< 1 cm) and Bullae (> 1 cm)
- Pustules (< 1 cm) and Abscess (> 1 cm) [contain pus]
- Furuncles (staph infections)
- Carbuncles (clusters of furuncles)
What is the difference between erythema and erythroderma?
Erythema = localized Erythroderma = generalized (desquamation)
What is telangiectasis?
permanent dilation of superficial blood vessels in the skin
Are ecchymosis blanchable?
No
What is palpable purpura usually caused by?
discoloration caused by vasculitis
