Terms for marks and growths on the skin

Question 1

Abrasion

Answer 1

A damaged area of the skin caused by the skin being scraped or worn away

Question 2

Bulla

Answer 2

A large, fluid-filled spot

Question 3

Chilblains (perniosis)

Answer 3

Red, itchy swellings occurring on the extremities or legs due to exposure to the cold; they can occasionally blister

Question 4

Corn (clavus)

Answer 4

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

Question 5

Crust (scab)

Answer 5

An accumulation of dried blood, pus or skin fluids on the surface of the skin; forms wherever the skin has been damaged

Question 6

Bruise

Answer 6

A discolouration of the skin caused by the escape of blood from underlying vessels

Question 7

Cyst

Answer 7

A semi-solid or fluid-filled lump above and below the skin

Question 8

Excoriation

Answer 8

The removal of the skin caused by scratching or scraping

Question 9

Fissure

Answer 9

A crack in the skin that penetrates into the dermis

Question 10

Macule

Answer 10

A small, flat, discoloured spot of any shape - e.g. freckles

Question 11

Mole

Answer 11

A small and dark skin growth; is is a concentrated area of melanin

Question 12

Nodule

Answer 12

A solid bump that may be raised

Question 13

Papule

Answer 13

A small, solid bump that does not contain fluid; e.g. warts, insect bites and skin tags

Question 14

Plaque

Answer 14

A large, flat, raised bump or group of bumps

Question 15

Pustule

Answer 15

A lump containing pus

Question 16

Scales

Answer 16

Area of dried, flaky cells; e.g. in psoriasis or dandruff

Question 17

Scar

Answer 17

An area where normal skin has been replaced by fibrous tissue; forms after an injury

Question 18

Stretch marks

Answer 18

Small tears in the dermis caused by the skin stretching beyond its ability

Question 19

Telangiectasis

Answer 19

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

Question 20

Tubercle

Answer 20

A solid lump that is larger than a papule

Question 21

Tumour

Answer 21

An abnormal growth of tissue

Question 22

Ulcer

Answer 22

A deep, open lesion on the skin; ulcers penetrate the dermis

Question 23

Vesicle

Answer 23

A small, fluid-filled spot; e.g. chickenpox and burns

Question 24

Wheal (hive)

Answer 24

A common allergic reaction in which there is swelling with an elevated, soft area

Question 25

Acrochordon (skin tags)

Answer 25

harmless soft, small, flesh-coloured or dark growths. They generally appear on the neck, armpits or genital area

Question 26

Alopecia areata

Answer 26

The absence of hair growth where it is expected to grow.

Question 27

What are the four types of Alopecia

Answer 27

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

Question 28

Keloids

Answer 28

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

Question 29

Psoriasis

Answer 29

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

Question 30

Seborrheic Keratoses (Senile Warts)

Answer 30

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

Question 31

Xanthoma

Answer 31

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