Lesion Types, Shapes, and Patterns

Question 0

Patch

Answer 0

Flat Lesion

Similar to a macule, but quite large, OR slightly raised plaque

Question 1

Macule

Answer 1

Flat Lesion
Any change in skin color that is not palpable.
(not raised or depressed)

Question 2

Papule

Answer 2

Raised Lesion
Elevated, superficial, and solid lesion
<0.5 cm

Question 3

Plaque

Answer 3

Raised Lesion

A plateau-like elevation, usually well defined.

Question 4

Nodule

Answer 4

Raised Lesion

Solid, larger and often starting at a deeper level than a papule.

Question 5

Wheals

Answer 5

Raised Lesion

Pink papules or plaques that change or disappear within hours

Question 6

Comedones

Answer 6

Raised Lesion

Dilated and plugged hair follicles

Question 7

Horn

Answer 7

Raised Lesion

Conical Mass

Question 8

Scar

Answer 8

Raised Lesion

Proliferation of fibrous tissue that replaces normal collagen after a wound that breaches the dermis

Question 9

Cyst

Answer 9

Fluid filled lesion

Encapsulated cavity containing fluid or semisolid material

Question 10

Vesicle

Answer 10

Fluid filled lesion

Clear fluid filled cavity, <0.5 cm, often thinned roofed

Question 11

Bulla (Blister)

Answer 11

Fluid filled lesion

Clear fluid filled cavity, >0.5 cm, often thinned roofed

Question 12

Pustule

Answer 12

Fluid filled lesion

Cavity is filled with purulent exudate

Question 13

Abscess

Answer 13

Fluid filled lesion

Accumulation of purulent material deep in the dermis or subcutaneous tissue, often fluctuant

Question 14

Erosion

Answer 14

Depressed Lesion

Loss of a portion of the epidermis, usually moist, won’t scar

Question 15

Ulcer

Answer 15

Depressed Lesion

Loss of the epidermis and part of the dermis, heals with scarring

Question 16

Atrophy

Answer 16

Depressed Lesion

Diminution of epidermal cells resulting in thinning, glossy, transparent, and wrinkled appearance

Question 17

Poikiloderma

Answer 17

Depressed Lesion

Atrophy combined with pigmentary changes

Question 18

Striae

Answer 18

Depressed Lesion

Linear depressions that occur from rapid stretching of the skin

Question 19

Sclerosis

Answer 19

Depressed Lesion

A diffuse, slightly depressed, hardened area of skin

Question 20

Scale

Answer 20

Lesions with Surface Changes

Flakes of skin

Question 21

Crust

Answer 21

Lesions with Surface Changes

Develop when serum, blood, or purulent exudate dries on the skin surface

Question 22

Excoriations

Answer 22

Lesions with Surface Changes

Surface excavations that result from scratching

Question 23

Lichenification

Answer 23

Lesions with Surface Changes

Thickening of the epidermis and some changes in the dermis may be due to continual rubbing of the skin

Question 24

Purpura

Answer 24

Vascular Lesions | Reddish-purple lesion that is non-blanchable, indicating blood having left the vessels and moving through other tissues

Question 25

Petechiae

Answer 25

Vascular Lesions | Pinpoint purpura

Question 26

Ecchymosis

Answer 26

Vascular Lesions | Large purpura; bruise

Question 27

Telangiectasia

Answer 27

Vascular Lesions | Persistent dilations of small capillaries. May or may not be blanchable.

Question 28

Angioma

Answer 28

Vascular Lesions | Benign tumor with blood vessels; some types blanch others don't

Question 29

Annular

Answer 29

ring-shaped; the edge differs from the center

Question 30

round

Answer 30

also called nummular or discoid; coin-shaped

Question 31

arcuate

Answer 31

arc-shaped

Question 32

linear

Answer 32

resembling a straight line

Question 33

reticular

Answer 33

net-like

Question 34

targetoid

Answer 34

also called iris; has three distinct zones

Question 35

Grouped

Answer 35

clustered together

Question 36

scattered

Answer 36

irregularly distributed

Question 37

dermatomal

Answer 37

lying in the distribution of a single spinal nerve root

Question 38

sun exposed

Answer 38

also called photo distribution; occurs in areas usually not covered by clothing

Question 39

sun protected

Answer 39

occurs in areas usually covered by clothing

Question 40

acral

Answer 40

occurs on distal locations, such as hands and feet

Question 41

truncal

Answer 41

occurs on central body

Question 42

extensor

Answer 42

extensor surfaces of knees and elbows

Question 43

flexor

Answer 43

flexor surfaces of knees and elbows

Question 44

intertriginous

Answer 44

occurring in the skin folds

Question 45

localized

Answer 45

confined to a single location

Question 46

generalized

Answer 46

widespread