Primary
Flat spot or discoloration on the skin. Examples: Freckle, age spot.
Macule
Dead cells that form over a wound or blemish while healing; accumulation of sebum and pus, sometimes mixed with epidermal cells.
Examples: Scab
Crust
Raised, inflamed papule with a white or yellow center containing pus in the top of the lesion.
Examples: Acne, impetigo, folliculitis
Pustule
Crack in the skin that penetrates the dermis. Examples: Severely cracked and/or chapped hands, lips, or feet
Fissure
Large blister containing watery fluid; similar to a vesicle. Requires medical referral.
Examples: Second degree burns, impetigo, contact dermatitis
Bulla
Thin, dry, or oily plate of epidermal flakes.
Examples: Excessive dandruff, psoriasis
Scale
Small blister or sac containing clear fluid, lying within or just beneath the epidermis. Requires medical referral if cause is unknown or untreatable with over-the-counter products.
Examples: Poison ivy, poison oak.
Vesicle
Skin sore or abrasion produced by scratching or scraping.
Excoriation
Closed, abnormally developed sac that contains pus, semifluid, or morbid matter above or below the skin. Requires medical referral.
Cyst/ tubercle
Open lesion on the skin or mucous membrane of the body; accompanied by loss of skin depth and possibly weeping of fluids or pus. Requires medical referral, especially if client has underlying medical condition.
Ulcer
A solid bump larger than 0.4 inches (1 cm) that can be easily felt. Requires medical referral.
Nodule
A thick scar resulting from excessive growth of fibrous tissue. Some people and higher Fitzpatrick types may be more prone to these
Keloid