Describing Visible Lesions
This term describes a lesion that is raised and solid, not filled with fluid.
What is a papule?
A freckle is an example of this primary lesion.
What is a macule?
Dead skin that flakes off in dry or oily sheets.
What is a scale?
Small, bright red pinpoint spots caused by vascular dilation.
What are petechiae?
A client presents with a raised, red, itchy bump after waxing.
What is a wheal?
A lesion that forms when a hair follicle becomes infected with Staphylococcus aureus; it presents as a painful, inflamed nodule with a central core.
What is a furuncle (boil)?
This word describes a lesion that is smaller than 1 cm and flat.
What is a macule?
A raised area > 1 cm that forms due to swelling or inflammation (like a hive).
What is a wheal?
A crust composed of dried serum, blood, or pus.
What is a scab?
Dilated superficial blood vessels commonly seen on cheeks or nose.
What are telangiectasias?
A client has a yellow, crusty patch where acne has healed.
What is a crust (secondary lesion)?
A deep, painful, interconnected group of infected follicles that forms a large abscess under the skin.
What is a carbuncle?
This descriptive term means the lesion contains pus.
What is purulent or pustular?
A fluid-filled lesion under 1 cm, commonly seen in dermatitis.
What is a vesicle?
A depression in the skin where tissue has been lost (like in acne pitting).
What is an atrophic scar?
A chronic vascular condition with redness and visible capillaries.
What is rosacea?
A client shows a fluid-filled blister from a burn.
What is a bulla?
A chronic, inflammatory condition that creates “double comedones” and painful tunnels under the skin in the underarm or groin area.
What is hidradenitis suppurativa?
This term means “collection of blood under the skin,” often from trauma.
What is a hematoma?
An elevated, solid lesion greater than 1 cm in diameter (e.g., psoriasis plaques).
What is a plaque?
A crack in the skin that may be dry or moist (e.g., cracked heels).
What is a fissure?
A bruise caused by bleeding under the skin.
What is ecchymosis?
Small, solid raised lesions under 1 cm, often seen in acne.
What are papules?
A lesion described as “pearly,” flesh-colored, and often with visible blood vessels; commonly found in sun-exposed areas and considered malignant.
What is basal cell carcinoma?
A term used when a lesion contains clear or serous fluid.
What is serous-filled or vesicular?
A lesion filled with thick or oily material inside a sac; often must be extracted professionally.
What is a cyst?
A thick, elevated scar due to excessive collagen production.
What is a keloid?
A birthmark caused by abnormal vascular growth (e.g., port-wine stain).
What is a hemangioma?
A client with long-standing acne has deep, pitted marks.
What are atrophic scars?
A lesion that begins as a macule but evolves into an irregular, dark patch with asymmetry, border irregularity, and multiple colors; considered the most dangerous skin cancer.
What is malignant melanoma?