Introduction to Dermatology Flashcards
What is a papule?
palpable, raised primary skin lesion that has varying degrees of firmness and is less than 5 mm
What is a nodule?
palpable, raised primary skin lesion that is over 1 cm in diameter
What is a macule?
small, non-palpable skin lesion
What is a patch?
larger, non-palpable skin lesion
What is a plaque? Give an example.
Raised, palpable large skin lesion.
Psoriasis is the classic “plaque” forming disease (very clear borders)
What is a vesicle?
small, fluid filled skin lesion
What is a bulla?
blister (larger, fluid filled skin lesion)
What is a pustule?
vesicle with pus inside
What is a telangiectasia?
dilated blood vessels (seen more commonly in women)
What is a spider angioma?
tiny areas of dilated blood vessels that blanch with pressure
- totally benign in children
- pregnant women commonly
- associated with alcoholism and liver disease
What is an ecchymosis? What might it indicate?
bruise (may indicate a coagulation defect)
What is a petechiae? What might it indicate
pinpoint extravasation of RBCs under the skin (does NOT blanch)
May indicate a platelet problem
What usually causes “scale”?
inflammation
What is an example of a disease that can cause crusting?
wide-spread venous stasis dermatitis
What is lichenification?
thickening of the skin due to repeated scratching of the skin
