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.