Skin Pathologies Flashcards
What are skin lesions
Abnormal/damaged tissue with impaired function of skin
What is a papule
A small, firm, elevated lesion
No visibile fluid
Can be either red, brown, purple or pink
“Maculopapular rash” eg occurs in measles
What is a pustule
Small, elevated, erythematous (red) lesion containing pus
Purulent material usually consists of necrotic inflammatory cells
What is a macule
Small, flat lesion different colour to normal skin with defined region
What is a nodule
Palpable, elevated lesion
Morphologically similar to a papule, but bigger & deeper eg those found in rheumatoid arthritis
May be filled with inflamed tissue or fluid
What is a crust
Collection of dried bodily fluid (blood plasma & exudate) & dead skin cells eg scab
What is exudate
Exudate = any fluid filtered from the blood
What is lichenification
Thick, dry, rough plaques of thickened skin with accentuated markings/pronounced lines
“Tree Bark like” appearance
Hallmark of chronic eczma/dermatitis or excessive scratching
What is an erosion
Shallow, moist cavity in rhe epidermis
Wearing away of superficial epidermis (from chemicals, friction or pressure)
‘Ulcerations’ eg in diabetes
What is comedone
Aka acne
Blackheads, whiteheads or red bumps due to excess sebum, keratin & debris forming a plug in the sebacous duct of a hair follicle
Black = open comedo, if oil is exposed to air it oxidises & turns dark White = closed comedo
