Skin lesion descriptors

Question 1

Macule

Answer 1

• Flat discoloration
• Usually <1 cm in diameter
• Example: freckle

Question 2

Patch

Answer 2

• Flat are of skin discoloration
• Larger than a macule (>1 cm)
• Example: vitiligo

Question 3

Papule

Answer 3

• Raised lesion
• <1 cm
• May be the same or different color than surrounding skin
• Example: raised nevus

Question 4

Vesicle

Answer 4

• Fluid filled
• <1 cm

Question 5

Plaque

Answer 5

• Raised lesion
• >1 cm
• May be the same or different color than surrounding skin
• Example: psoriasis

Question 6

Purpura

Answer 6

Lesions caused by RBCs leaving circulation and becoming trapped in skin

• Examples: petechiae, ecchymosis

Question 7

Pustule

Answer 7

Vesicle-like lesion with purulent content

• Example: impetigo, acne

Question 8

Wheal

Answer 8

Circumscribed area of skin edema

• Example: hive

Question 9

Nodule

Answer 9

• Raised lesion
• >1 cm
• Mobile
• Example: epidermal cyst

Question 10

Bulla

Answer 10

• Fluid filled
• >1 cm
• Example: blister with second-degree burn

Question 11

Lichenification

Answer 11

Skin thickening resembling callus formation

• Seen in areas of recurrent scratching

Question 12

Erosion

Answer 12

• Partial loss of epidermis
• Heals without scarring
• Example: area exposed after bullous lesion opens

Question 13

Confluent or coalescent

Answer 13

Multiple lesions blending together

• Multiple skin conditions

Question 14

Reticular

Answer 14

Net-like cluster

• Multiple skin lesions