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southern new mexico surgery center
 
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    Describing a Skin Condition

    How to describe a skin condition

    A healthcare provider may ask you to describe your skin condition and its location. Here are some of the more common terms that may help you give a more accurate description:

    Condition

    What it looks like

    Abscess

    A closed, painful pocket containing pus

    Atrophic

    Thin, dry, wrinkled skin

    Blister or vesicle

    Fluid-filled bump under or in the epidermis (the surface of the skin) that is less than 1 cm in size

    Crust or scab

    Formation of dried blood, plasma, or pus over a break in the skin

    Cyst

    Enclosed sac in skin containing fluid or solid material

    Excoriation

    An erosion with loss of the epidermis, caused by scratching 

    Hives or wheals

    Pink or white localized swelling of the skin that is often itchy

    Lichenification

    Skin that has become thickened, hardened, or leathery with skin markings from chronic scratching

    Macule

    Small, flat, discolored spot, less than 1 cm

    Nodule or papule

    Solid, raised bumps. A nodule is greater than 1 cm, and a papule is less than or equal to 1 cm. 

    Patch

    Flat, large (greater than 1 cm) discolored area

    Plaque

    A raised or depressed area of skin that is greater than 1 cm in diameter

    Pustule (pimple)

    Inflamed, raised lesions that contain pus

    Scales

    A buildup of dead skin cells that form flakes

    Scar

    Fibrous tissue that forms after a skin injury

    Online Medical Reviewer: Michael Lehrer MD
    Online Medical Reviewer: Stacey Wojcik MBA BSN RN
    Online Medical Reviewer: Tennille Dozier RN BSN RDMS
    Date Last Reviewed: 4/1/2023
    © 2000-2024 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
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    Southern New Mexico
    Surgery Center

    2301 Indian Wells Rd. Suite B
    Alamogordo, NM 88310
    www.snmsc.org

    Phone: 575.437.0890
    Fax: 575.437.0905
    Email: info@snmsc.org

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