descriptions of lesions
DESCRIPTION
TRANSCRIPT
Description of Lesions
“He who studies skin diseases and fails to study the lesion first will never learn dermatology.”
Siemens(1891-1969)
Primary Lesions
Primary Lesions
Macule
-flat normal surface size <0.5cm in diameter
-area of color different from the surrounding skin or mucous membrane
Patch
-similar to a macule but size >0.5cm
Papule
-a solid, elevated lesion < 0.5 cm in diameter.
Plaque
-solid plateau-like elevation
-width >> height diameter > 0.5 cm
Nodule
-a solid, round or ellipsoidal, palpable lesion that has a diameter > 0.5 cm.
-depth of involvement and/or substantive palpability
Vesicle
-a fluid filled cavity sized <0.5cm in diameter
Bulla/blister
-a fluid filled cavity size >0.5cm
Pustule
-a vesicle or a papule filled with pus
Cyst
-an encapsulated cavity or sac lined with a true epithelium that contains fluid or semisolid material (cells and cell products such as keratin)
Lesions with size <0.5cm in ∅•Macule•Papule•vesicle•pustule
Summary to primary lesions
Secondary Lesions
Erosion
-loss of a portion or all of the viable epidermal or mucosal epithelium
-heals without scaring
Ulcer
-full thickness loss of epidermis & some dermis,
-heals with scaring
Atrophy
- depression of the surface due to thinning of the epidermis or dermis.
- there are often fine wrinkles & the blood vessels easily seen under the skin
Fissure
-linear split in the epidermis or dermis at an orifice (angle of the mouth or anus) over a joint or along a skin crease.
Surface features
- Scale : dry/flaky surface due to abnormal stratum corneum with accumulation of or increased shedding of keratinocytes
- Crust : serum, blood or pus that has dried/ accumulated on the surface – dry exudate
- Excoriations : are surface excavations of epidermis that result from scratching
- Lichenification : thickening of the epidermis with increased skin markings due to persistent scratching.
THE END