Describing skin pathology

Question 1

Excoriosis

Answer 1

Scratching of the skin

Question 2

Erythema

Answer 2

Blanching redness (Redness on pressure), caused by vascular dilatation

Question 3

Purpura

Answer 3

Extravastation of blood, non-blanching, may be raised

Question 4

Petechiae

Answer 4

1-2mm area of flat purpura

Question 5

Macule

Answer 5

Localised flat colour change <1cm

Question 6

Patch

Answer 6

Localised flat colour change >1cm

Question 7

Papule

Answer 7

Localised elevated area <0.5cm

Question 8

Nodule

Answer 8

Localised elevated area >0.5cm and greater dermal component

Question 9

Plaque

Answer 9

Raised edge and flatter surface >1cm

Question 10

Vesicle

Answer 10

Fluid filled lesion <0.5cm

Question 11

Bulla

Answer 11

Fluid filled lesion >0.5cm

Question 12

Pustule

Answer 12

Pus filled raised lesion

Question 13

Wheal/Hive

Answer 13

Compressible dermal swelling due to oedema

Question 14

Cyst

Answer 14

Nodule containing semi-solid material

Question 15

Maculopapular rash

Answer 15

Rash with both flat and elevated components

Question 16

Papular rash

Answer 16

Elevated rash

Question 17

Macular rash

Answer 17

Flattened rash

Question 18

Scale

Answer 18

Accumulated fragments of the keratin layer

Question 19

Crust

Answer 19

Dried exudate (E.g. serum)

Question 20

Lichenified

Answer 20

Thickenings with exaggerated skin markings, usually in response to scratching

Question 21

Scar

Answer 21

Normal tissue replaced by fibrous tissue

Question 22

Fissures

Answer 22

Linear splits in the epidermis

Question 23

Erosions

Answer 23

Superficial break in the epidermis

Question 24

Ulcer

Answer 24

Deep break into the dermis

Question 25

Atrophy

Answer 25

Loss of epidermis + Dermis (E.g. stretch marks)

Question 26

What are some ways to describe skin pathology distribution?

Answer 26

Site
Symmetrical or unilateral
Localised or widespread
Flexors or extensors

Question 27

What are the 4 main ways of describing the configuration of a skin pathology?

Answer 27

Discrete
Coalescing
Confluent
Grouped

Question 28

Discrete lesions

Answer 28

Lesions well demarcated, individual lesions can clearly be seen

Question 29

Coalescing lesions

Answer 29

Individual lesions present but starting to merge together to form larger areas of involvement

Question 30

Confluent lesions

Answer 30

No normal skin visible

Question 31

Grouped lesions

Answer 31

In a group e.g. linear (Line) or annular (Ring)

Question 32

What are the 4 main skin examination descriptions?

Answer 32

Distribution - Which areas
Configuration - Arrangement
Morphology - Look
Examine other features - Hair, nails, etc

Question 33

Nail pitting

Answer 33

Small depressions of the nail plate

Question 34

Onycholysis

Answer 34

Separation of the nail plate from the nail bed (Found in psoriasis)

Question 35

Hypertrichosis

Answer 35

general excess hair growth

Question 36

Hirsutism

Answer 36

Excess male pattern hair growth

Question 37

Alopecia

Answer 37

Loss of hair

Question 38

Pigmented lesions - A

Answer 38

Asymmetry (Of shape and colour)

Question 39

Pigmented lesions - B

Answer 39

Border (Regular or irregular)

Question 40

Pigmented lesions - C

Answer 40

Colour (Uniform or variable)

Question 41

Pigmented lesions - D

Answer 41

Diameter

Question 42

Pigmented lesions - E

Answer 42

Elevation

Question 43

Describe the condition

Answer 43

Onycholysis

Question 44

Describe the condition

Answer 44

Erythema

Question 45

Describe the condition

Answer 45

Petechiae and purpura