Skin examination Flashcards
What should be assessed in skin examination?
Distribution - which areas are affected
Configuration - how lesions are arranged
Morphology - what the lesions look like
What should also be assesed in a skin examination?
Nails - pitting and onycholysis in psoriasis
Mouth - erosions of buccal mucosa in blistering disease
Joints - arthritis in psoriasis
Hair - hypertrichosis, hirsutes, alopecia
What should be assesed in a rash?
Assess distribution and configuration
Examine primary lesions
What should be assesed in a skin lump?
Site and morphology
Important to regonise when malignant
How should the distribution and configuration of a rash be described?
Widespread or localised Unilateral, bilateral or symmetrical Anterior/posterior Medial/lateral Proximal/distal Extensor/flexor Pattern? Discrete, grouped, annular, confluent
How should rash morphology be described?
Colour Size Raised or flat Border features Surface features: scale, crust
What does a blanching rash suggest?
Infection
Dermatological disease
What does a non-blanching rash suggest?
Blood/ vessel disease
What is purpura and petichia?
Extravasation of blood
Non-blanching
Petechia are 1-2mm are of flat pupura
What is erythema?
Red rash
Will blanch on pressure
What is hypopigmentation?
Lack of melanin
What is hyperpigmentation?
Increased melanin
Haemosiderin
Direct chemical staining
What are the different types of flat lesions?
Macule <1cm
Patch >1cm
What are the different types of raised lesions?
Papule <0.5cm
Nodule >0.5cm
What is the name given to a rash that has flat and elevated components?
Maculopapular
What is a plaque?
Raised edge and flatter surface >1cm
What is a wheal?
Compressible dermal swelling
What are the different types of fluid filled lesions?
Vesicle <0.5cm
Bulla >0.5cm
What is a cyst?
Nodule containing semi-solid material
What is a pustule?
Pus filled raised lesion
What are the different types of border features?
Well defined
Poorly defined
What is a scaly lesions?
Accumulates fragments of keratin layer
What is a crust?
Dried exudate
What is lichenified?
Thickening with increased skin markings
What is a scar?
Normal tissue replaced by fibrous tissue
What is a fissure?
Linear split in epidermis
What is atrophy?
Loss of epidermis
What is an erosion?
Superficial break in epidermis
What is an ulcer?
Deeper break into epiderms
