Skin: History, Exam, Lesions Flashcards
describe skin lesion morphology
primary lesions:
-initial eruption that develops spontaneously as a direct reflection of underlying disease
-includes: macule, papule, vesicle, pustule, wheal, nodule, patch, plaque, bulla
secondary lesions:
-evolve from primary lesion (ex pustule that turns to crust), or are artifacts induced by the patient/by trauma (ex. hair loss by scratching)
-include: excoriation, erosion, ulcer, crust, lichenification
-could be either or: alopecia, scale, pigment change, comedo, epidermal collarette
describe macules/patches
primary lesions
circumscribed, flat area of color change <1cm (macule), patches are >1cm
describe papules versus plaques
both primary lesions
papules: elevated solid, palpable lesion <1cm
plaques: elevated solid, palpable lesion >1cm
describe wheals
primary lesions
circumscribed, raised lesion consisting of edema
describe nodules
primary lesions
circumscribed, solid elevated lesion >1cm; often extends into deeper layers of skin
describe scales
could be primary or secondary lesions
accumulation of cornified cells
describe pigment change
could be primary or secondary lesion
ex. hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation
describe comedo
could be primary or secondary lesion
dilated hair follicle, filled with sebaceous material and cornified cells
describe epidermal collarette
could be primary or secondary lesion
special type of scale arranged in a circular rim of loose keratin flakes or peeling keratin
describe excoriation
secondary lesions
self-induced erosions or ulcers (by biting, often linear)
describe erosions
secondary lesions
shallow epidermal defect that does not penetrate basal laminar zone
describe ulcers
secondary lesions
break in continuity of epidermis or mucosa with exposure of underlying dermis
often times heal with scars
describe lichenification
secondary lesions
elephant-like skin surface, exaggeration of superficial surface architecture and thickening of the skin
