Types of Lesions

Primary

100

Flat spot or discoloration on the skin. Examples: Freckle, age spot.

Macule

200

Raised, inflamed papule with a white or yellow center containing pus in the top of the lesion.

Examples: Acne, impetigo, folliculitis 

Pustule

300

Large blister containing watery fluid; similar to a vesicle. Requires medical referral.

Examples: Second degree burns, impetigo, contact dermatitis 

Bulla

400

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

500

Closed, abnormally developed sac that contains pus, semifluid, or morbid matter above or below the skin.  Requires medical referral.

Cyst/ tubercle

600

A solid bump larger than 0.4 inches (1 cm) that can be easily felt. Requires medical referral.

Nodule

Secondary

100

Dead cells that form over a wound or blemish while healing; accumulation of sebum and pus, sometimes mixed with epidermal cells. 

Examples: Scab

Crust

200

Crack in the skin that penetrates the dermis. Examples: Severely cracked and/or chapped hands, lips, or feet

Fissure

300

Thin, dry, or oily plate of epidermal flakes. 

Examples: Excessive dandruff, psoriasis

Scale

400

Skin sore or abrasion produced by scratching or scraping.

Excoriation

500

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

600

A thick scar resulting from excessive growth of fibrous tissue. Some people and higher Fitzpatrick types may be more prone to these

Keloid