Describing 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 in providing a more accurate description:
| Atrophic |
Thin, wrinkled |
| Blister or vesicle |
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 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 |
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Online Resources of Dermatology