Description of Lesions

Question 1

what is a macule?

Answer 1

flat, non-palpable lesion
usually <10mm in diameter
e.g - freckles, tattoos, flat moles

Question 2

what is a patch?

Answer 2

a large macule

Question 3

what is a papule?

Answer 3

elevated, palpable lesion
usually <10mm in diameter
e.g - warts, naevi, seborrheic keratoses, insect bites

Question 4

what is a plaque?

Answer 4

elevated, palpable lesion
usually >10mm in diameter
can be flat or round topped
e.g - psoriasis

Question 5

what is a nodule?

Answer 5

a firm, palpable papule
extend into dermis and subcutaneous tissue
e.g - cysts, lipomas, fibromas

Question 6

what is a vesicle?

Answer 6

small, clear, fluid filled blister
<10mm in diameter
e.g - herpes, acute allergic contact allergic dermatitis

Question 7

what is a bullae?

Answer 7

large, clear fluid filled blister
>10mm
e.g - burns

Question 8

what is a pustule?

Answer 8

a vesicle which contains pus

Question 9

what is urticaria?

Answer 9

elevated lesions due to local oedema
pruritic and erythematous
associated with hypersensitivity reactions
usually lasts <24hrs