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 provide a more accurate description:
Atrophic |
Thin, wrinkled |
|---|---|
Blister or vessicle |
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 lesion 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 |