Describing a Skin Condition
How to describe a skin condition
A doctor may ask you to describe your dermatological condition and its location. Here are some of the more common terms that may help you provide a more accurate description:
|
Atrophic
|
Thin, wrinkled
|
|
Blister or vessicle
|
Fluid-filled bump
|
|
Crust or scab
|
Formation of dried blood, plasma, or other skin fluid over a break in the skin
|
|
Cyst
|
Deeply seated sac lesion that contains material
|
|
Excoriation
|
A scratch or erosion caused by scratching
|
|
Hives or wheals
|
Pink or white localized swelling of the skin that is usually itchy
|
|
Lichenification
|
Skin that has become thickened, hardened, or leathery from chronic scratching
|
|
Macule
|
Flat, discolored spot
|
|
Nodule or papule
|
Solid, raised bumps. A nodule is greater than 0.5 cm and a papule is less than or equal to 0.5 cm.
|
|
Raised bumps
|
Bumps that stick out above the skin surface
|
|
Patch
|
Flat, large discolored spot with smooth surface
|
|
Pustule (pimple)
|
Inflamed, elevated lesions that appear to contain pus
|
|
Scales
|
A buildup of dead skin cells that form flakes
|
|
Scar
|
Fibrous tissue that forms after a skin injury
|
|