Skin Examinations Flashcards

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1
Q

Define purpura

A

Extravasation of blood (leakage of blood into surrounding tissues) that does not blanche

It may or may not be raised

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2
Q

Define petechia

A

1-2mm area of flat purpura

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3
Q

Define erythema

A

Vascular dilation causing skin redness that blanches on pressure

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4
Q

What is a macule?

A

A localised flat colour change <1cm

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5
Q

What is a patch?

A

A localised flat colour change >1cm

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6
Q

A macular rash is a raised/flat rash

A

Flat

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7
Q

A papular rash is a raised/flat rash

A

Raised

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8
Q

What is a maculopapular rash?

A

A rash with both raised and flat components

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9
Q

What is a papule?

A

A localised elevated area <0.5cm

e.g., lichen planus

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10
Q

What is a nodule?

A

A localised elevated area >0.5cm and with greater dermal involvement
e.g., basal cell cancer

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11
Q

What is a plaque?

A

A lesion with a raised edge and a flatter surface >1cm

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12
Q

Define pustule

A

A pus-filled raised lesion

e.g., herpes simplex cold sore, pustular psoriasis

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13
Q

What is a vesicle?

A

A raised, fluid-filled lesion <0.5cm

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14
Q

What is a bulla?

A

A raised, fluid-filled lesion >0.5cm

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15
Q

What is a wheal?

A

A raised but compressible dermal swelling

e.g., skin prick testing

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16
Q

What is a cyst?

A

A raised nodule containing semi-solid material

17
Q

A lesion with a pinker middle and a white ring around the outside is called a…

A

Target lesion

18
Q

What is meant by a scale?

A

A layer formed by an accumulation of fragments of keratin

19
Q

What is meant by a crust?

A

A layer formed by a dried exudate e.g., serum

e.g., cold sore

20
Q

What is meant by skin that is lichenified?

What may this be caused by?

A

Thickened with increased skin markings

This can be caused by ongoing scratching due to a chronic condition

21
Q

Define a scar

A

Normal tissue which has been replaced by fibrous tissue

22
Q

What is a fissure?

A

A linear split in the epidermis

23
Q

What is the difference between an erosion and an ulcer?

A

Erosion = superficial break in the epidermis

Ulcer = deeper break in the epidermis

24
Q

Define atrophy

A

Loss of epidermis +/- dermis

e.g., due to the use of topical steroids

25
Q

Why is skin biopsy alone not enough to come to a diagnosis? (2)

A

Some skin conditions may have the same histology e.g., different types of eczema

One cause of a skin condition may have different histological presentations e.g., drug eruption