Describing a Skin Condition

How to describe a skin condition

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