Primary Lesions

Question 1

Primary Lesions

Answer 1

he initial stages of development or change. Primary lesions are characterized by flat, nonpalpable changes in skin color or by elevations formed by fluid in a cavity, such as vesicles or pustules.

Question 2

Bulla

Answer 2

Large blister containing a watery fluid; similar to a vesicle. Requires medical referral.

Question 3

Cyst and tubercle

Answer 3

Closed, abnormally developed sac that contains pus, semifluid, or morbid matter, above or below the skin. A cyst can be drained of fluid and a tubercle cannot. Requires medical referral.

Question 4

Macule

Answer 4

Flat spot or discoloration on the skin.

Question 5

Nodule

Answer 5

A solid bump larger than 0.4 inches (1 cm) that can be easily felt. Requires medical referral.

Question 6

Papule

Answer 6

A small elevation on the skin that contains no fluid, but may develop pus.

Question 7

Pustule

Answer 7

Raised, inflamed, papule with a white or yellow center containing pus in the top of the lesion.

Question 8

Tumor

Answer 8

Abnormal mass varying in size, shape, and color. Any type of abnormal mass, not always cancer. Requires medical referral.

Question 9

Vesicle

Answer 9

Small blister or sac containing clear fluid, lying within or just beneath the epidermis. Requires medical referral if cause is unknown or untreatable with over-the-counter products.

Question 10

Wheal

Answer 10

An itchy, swollen lesion that can be caused by a blow, scratch, bite of an insect, or urticaria (ur-tuh-KAYR-ee-ah) (skin allergy), or the sting of a nettle. Typically resolves on its own, but referral to a physician should be considered when the condition lasts more than three days.