Dermatology Terms

Erythema Redness due to vascular dilatation

Purpura Darker red due to extravasation of blood. Non-blanching

Macule Circumscribed change in skin colour up to 1 cm diameter

Patch Macule > 1 cm diameter

Papule Raised palpable spot up to 1 cm diameter

Maculo-papular Raised spots of different colour to surrounding skin

Plaque Coalesced papules

Nodule Solid lesion up to 1 cm diameter

Vesicle Small fluid-filled lesion up to 1 cm diameter

Bulla Vesicle > 1 cm diameter

Pustule Circumscribed pus-filled lesion

Wheal Pink or white plaque of dermal oedema

Cyst Epithelium-lined cavity containing fluid or semi-solid material

Scale Flake of hard (horny) skin

Fissure Crack in epidermis

Lichenification Thickened skin with exaggerated skin lines

Indurated Hard, thickened

Crust Dried exudates. Yellow – serum, yellow-green – purulent, red-

black – haemorrhagic

Excoriation Loss of skin substance due to scratching