Common Dermatology Terms
Tanner Bartholow
Macule
erythema infectiosum
http://www.pediatrics.wisc.edu/education/derm/tuta/macule.html
“A macule is a change in the color of the skin. It is flat, if you were to close your eyes
and run your fingers over the surface of a purely macular lesion, you could not detect
it. A macule greater than 1 cm. may be referred to as a patch”1
Papule
•
“A papule is a solid raised lesion that has distinct borders and is less than 1 cm in
diameter. Papules may have a variety of shapes in profile (domed, flat-topped,
umbilicated) and may be associated with secondary features such as crusts or
scales” 1
scabies
molluscum contagiosum
http://www.pediatrics.wisc.edu/education/derm/tuta/papule.html
Nodule
http://www.pediatrics.wisc.edu/education/derm/tuta/nodule.html
http://www.pathguy.com/lectures/erf05_basal_cell_ca_arising.jpg
Basal cell carcinoma
“Nodule is a raised solid lesion more than 1 cm. and may
be in the epidermis, dermis, or subcutaneous tissue” 1
Plaque
http://www.pediatrics.wisc.edu/education/derm/tuta/plaque.html
tuberous sclerosis
psoriasis
“A plaque is a solid, raised, flat-topped lesion greater than 1 cm. in diameter. It is
analogous to the geological formation, the plateau”1
Vesicle
http://z.about.com/d/dermatology/1/0/M/5/three_lesions.jpg
http://dermatology.about.com/od/dermphotos/ig/Chicken-Pox-Pictures/chickenpox22.htm
“Vesicles are raised lesions less than 5mm. in diameter that are filled with
clear fluid (blister)”1
Bulla
Bullous pemphigoid
http://www.aafp.org/afp/20020501/1861_f4.jpg
“Vesicles are raised lesions greater than 5mm. in diameter that are
filled with clear fluid (blister)”2
Pustule
http://www.pediatrics.wisc.edu/education/derm/tuta/pustule.html
Group A Strep infection
“Pustules are circumscribed elevated lesions that contain pus. They are most
commonly infected (as in folliculitis) but may be sterile (as in pustular
psoriasis)”1
Wheal (hive)
http://www.pediatrics.wisc.edu/education/derm/tuta/wheal.html
“A wheal is an area of edema in the upper epidermis”1
“Edematous, transient papule or plaque caused by infiltration of dermis by
fluid”2
Scales
Seborrheic
dermatitis
“Excessive number of dead
keratinocytes produced by
abnormal keratinization”2
Petechiae, Purpura, Ecchymoses
“The term "petechiae" refers to smaller lesions. "Purpura" and "ecchymoses" are terms that refer
to larger lesions. In certain situations purpura may be palpable. In all situations, petechiae,
ecchymoses, and purpura do not blanch when pressed.”1
Henoch-Schönlein Purpura
Thrombocytopenia
Quiz
http://www.kidsgrowth.com/images/fp_images/mongolian_spot.jpg
http://www.mdconsult.com/das/pdxmd/media/1127/6112715/large.jpg
http://www.mycology.adelaide.edu.au/gallery/photos/malass1.gif
• 1. Macule/patch (mongolian spot)
• 2. Plaque (psoriasis)
• 3. Macule/patch (tinea versicolor)
Treatment of purpura fulminans
– Study from 7 burn centers over a 10 year period (70 total patients)3
• Neisseria meningitidis most common in infants through adolescents
• Streptococcus most often found in adults
• Treatments consisted of antibiotic treatment of the underlying infection
• Volume replenishment and ventilatory and inotropic support
• Corticosteroids used (38%) of time
• Protein C replaced in (9%) of patients
• Skin grafting and amputations required in (90%)
• 25% amputation of all extremities
• Early fasciotomoies reduced amputation in 6 of 14 patients
Resources
1. Williams, D., and M. Katcher. Nomenclature of Skin
Lesions: Primary Care Dermatology Module. Wisconsin
Area Health Education Center (AHEC) System. 2003.
<http://www.pediatrics.wisc.edu/education/derm/index.ht
ml>
2. Goljan, E. 2007. Rapid Review Pathology. 2nd Ed.
Mosby Elsevier. Philadelphia.
3. Warner PM, Kagan RJ, Yakuboff KP, et al. Current
management of purpura fulminans: a multicenter study. J
Burn Care Rehabil 2003; 24: 119-126.