Describing a Skin Condition

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