Derm Terms

Question 1

Scale

Answer 1

accumulation of cornified cells; can vary in consistency & color

Question 2

Crust

Answer 2

composed of dried exudate, blood, pus, serum, scales

Question 3

Alopecia

Answer 3

hair loss

Question 4

Comedo

Answer 4

dilated hair follicle filled with cells & sebaceous secretions

Question 5

Hyperpigmentation

Answer 5

due to increased melanin within epidermis +/- dermis

Question 6

Hypopigmentation

Answer 6

loss of epidermal melanin

Question 7

Macule

Answer 7

non-raised, circumscribed, area of discoloration that is up to 1 cm in diameter

Question 8

Patch

Answer 8

similar to macule, but larger than 1 cm

Question 9

Papule

Answer 9

solid erythematous elevation in the skin up to 1 cm in diameter

Question 10

Plaque

Answer 10

flat-topped elevation in the skin, larger than a papule

Question 11

Nodule

Answer 11

small, circumscribed elevation >1cm in diameter that extends into dermis or below

Question 12

Tumor

Answer 12

mass of varying size that can involve any layer of the skin and/or subcutaneous tissue

Question 13

Pustule

Answer 13

small, circumscribed elevation within epidermis filled with pus; often preceded by a papule

Question 14

Abscess

Answer 14

accumulation of pus within dermis or subcutaneous tissue; lesion often fluctuant, but can be firm

Question 15

Vesicle

Answer 15

elevation of the epidermis filled with clear fluid that is up to 1 cm in diameter

Question 16

Bulla

Answer 16

vesicle larger than 1 cm in diameter

Question 17

Cyst

Answer 17

cavity filled with either fluid or solid material, lined by epithelium

Question 18

Wheal

Answer 18

circumscribed, edematous raised lesion

Question 19

Epidermal collarette

Answer 19

circular ridge of scale that represents the remnants of a pustule, papule, vesicle or bulla that has regressed

Question 20

Scar

Answer 20

area of fibrous tissue at site of previous trauma or lesion; often alopecic and depigmented

Question 21

Erosion

Answer 21

superficial lesion within epidermis that does not penetrate into the dermis

Question 22

Ulcer

Answer 22

deep lesion through epidermis extending into dermis

Question 23

Fissure

Answer 23

linear lesion (crack) into or through epidermis

Question 24

Excoriation

Answer 24

self-inflicted lesion (scratching, biting, rubbing) causing removal of epidermis

Question 25

Lichenification

Answer 25

thickening and hardening of the skin causing exaggerated skin markings; associated with chronic inflammation or trauma

Question 26

Hyperkeratosis

Answer 26

thickened horny layer of epidermis; ie. callus