Primary skin lesions

Question 1

macule

Answer 1

A lfat, colored lesin, <2 cm in diameter, not raised above the surface of the surrounding skin. A “freckle,” or ephelid, is a prototypical pigmented macule.

Question 2

patch

Answer 2

A large (>2 cm) flat lesion with a color different from the surrounding skin. This differs from a macule only in size.

Question 3

papule

Answer 3

A small, solid lesion, <0,5 cm in diameter, raised above the surface of the surrounding skin and thus palpable (e.g., a closed comedone, or whitehead, in acne).

Question 4

nodule

Answer 4

A larger (0.5 to 5.0 cm), firm lesion raised above the surface of the surroudning skin. This differs from a papule only in size (e.g., a large dermal nevomelanocytic nevus).

Question 5

tumor

Answer 5

A solid, raised growth > 5 cm in diameter.

Question 6

plaque

Answer 6

A large (> 1 cm), flat-topped, raised lesion; edges may either be distinct (e.g., in psoriasis) or gradually blend with surrounding skin (e.g.., in eczematous dermatitis).

Question 7

vesicle

Answer 7

A small, fluid-filled lesion, <0.5 cm in diameter, raised above the plane of surrounding skin. Fluid is ofte visible, and the lesions are translucent (e.g., vesciles in allergic contact dermatitis caused by Toxicodendron [poison ivy]).

Question 8

pustle

Answer 8

A vesicle filled with leukocytes. Note: The presence of pustles does not necessarily signify the existence of an infection.

Question 9

bulla

Answer 9

A fluid-filled, raised, often translucent lesion >0,5 cm in diameter.

Question 10

wheal

Answer 10

A raised, erythematous papule or plaque, usually representing short-lived vasodilation and vasopermeability.

Question 11

Telangiectasia

Answer 11

A dilated, superficial blood vessel.