Skin Examinations Flashcards
(25 cards)
Define purpura
Extravasation of blood (leakage of blood into surrounding tissues) that does not blanche
It may or may not be raised
Define petechia
1-2mm area of flat purpura
Define erythema
Vascular dilation causing skin redness that blanches on pressure
What is a macule?
A localised flat colour change <1cm
What is a patch?
A localised flat colour change >1cm
A macular rash is a raised/flat rash
Flat
A papular rash is a raised/flat rash
Raised
What is a maculopapular rash?
A rash with both raised and flat components
What is a papule?
A localised elevated area <0.5cm
e.g., lichen planus
What is a nodule?
A localised elevated area >0.5cm and with greater dermal involvement
e.g., basal cell cancer
What is a plaque?
A lesion with a raised edge and a flatter surface >1cm
Define pustule
A pus-filled raised lesion
e.g., herpes simplex cold sore, pustular psoriasis
What is a vesicle?
A raised, fluid-filled lesion <0.5cm
What is a bulla?
A raised, fluid-filled lesion >0.5cm
What is a wheal?
A raised but compressible dermal swelling
e.g., skin prick testing
What is a cyst?
A raised nodule containing semi-solid material
A lesion with a pinker middle and a white ring around the outside is called a…
Target lesion
What is meant by a scale?
A layer formed by an accumulation of fragments of keratin
What is meant by a crust?
A layer formed by a dried exudate e.g., serum
e.g., cold sore
What is meant by skin that is lichenified?
What may this be caused by?
Thickened with increased skin markings
This can be caused by ongoing scratching due to a chronic condition
Define a scar
Normal tissue which has been replaced by fibrous tissue
What is a fissure?
A linear split in the epidermis
What is the difference between an erosion and an ulcer?
Erosion = superficial break in the epidermis
Ulcer = deeper break in the epidermis
Define atrophy
Loss of epidermis +/- dermis
e.g., due to the use of topical steroids
