Terms for marks and growths on the skin Flashcards
Abrasion
A damaged area of the skin caused by the skin being scraped or worn away
Bulla
A large, fluid-filled spot
Chilblains (perniosis)
Red, itchy swellings occurring on the extremities or legs due to exposure to the cold; they can occasionally blister
Corn (clavus)
A small cone of compacted cells found either on the toes or between the toes; caused by continual pressure and often accompanied by pain and inflammation
Crust (scab)
An accumulation of dried blood, pus or skin fluids on the surface of the skin; forms wherever the skin has been damaged
Bruise
A discolouration of the skin caused by the escape of blood from underlying vessels
Cyst
A semi-solid or fluid-filled lump above and below the skin
Excoriation
The removal of the skin caused by scratching or scraping
Fissure
A crack in the skin that penetrates into the dermis
Macule
A small, flat, discoloured spot of any shape - e.g. freckles
Mole
A small and dark skin growth; is is a concentrated area of melanin
Nodule
A solid bump that may be raised
Papule
A small, solid bump that does not contain fluid; e.g. warts, insect bites and skin tags
Plaque
A large, flat, raised bump or group of bumps
Pustule
A lump containing pus
Scales
Area of dried, flaky cells; e.g. in psoriasis or dandruff
Scar
An area where normal skin has been replaced by fibrous tissue; forms after an injury
Stretch marks
Small tears in the dermis caused by the skin stretching beyond its ability
Telangiectasis
A localised collection of blood vessels in the skin; it is characterised by a red spot that can sometimes be spidery in appearance and that blanches under pressure
Tubercle
A solid lump that is larger than a papule
Tumour
An abnormal growth of tissue
Ulcer
A deep, open lesion on the skin; ulcers penetrate the dermis
Vesicle
A small, fluid-filled spot; e.g. chickenpox and burns
Wheal (hive)
A common allergic reaction in which there is swelling with an elevated, soft area
Acrochordon (skin tags)
harmless soft, small, flesh-coloured or dark growths. They generally appear on the neck, armpits or genital area
Alopecia areata
The absence of hair growth where it is expected to grow.
What are the four types of Alopecia
1) Alopecia areata - loss of patches of hair
2) Alopecia totalis - complete loss of scalp hair
3) Alopecia universalis - complete loss of all hair
4) Androgenetic alopecia - male-pattern baldness associated with hormonal changes
Keloids
Formed over healed wounds and are an overgrowth of scar tissue. They look smooth, shiny, flesh-coloured growths of fibrous tissue. Not painful but can itch or be sensitive to touch. Form in any scar or acne scars
Psoriasis
Chronic disorder with raised red patches that have silvery scales.
Usually caused by rapid cell growth (cause unknown)
Some people will have deformed, thickened nails.
It can run in families and aggravated by sunburn, injuries or stress - can be improved by gentle sun exposure
Can be accompanied by psoriatic arthritis
Seborrheic Keratoses (Senile Warts)
Common in middle-age and Elderly people
Are harmless, flesh-coloured, brown or black growths
Common on the torso, temples but can be found anywhere
Xanthoma
A fatty deposit beneath the skin
Found around joins e.g. elbows, knees or eyes
If found around the eyelids its called xanthelasma - this can be suggestive of hyperlipidaemia
