Define the terms used to describe morphology and shape of lesions.
Skin lesions can be described in a variety of ways. The most common are:
- The macule is a flattened, colorless lesion less than one centimeter wide.
- Patch: A colorless, flat lesion larger than one centimeter.
- Papules: Solid, raised lesions that are less than 1 cm in diameter.
- Plaque: A large, raised solid lession with a diameter greater than 1 cm.
- Vesicle : Small, liquid-filled blister that measures less than one centimeter.
- Bulla: A large blister with fluid inside that measures more than 1 centimeter.
- Pustule : A pus-filled raised lesion.
- Nodule: Solid, raised lesions larger than one centimeter.
- The term Wheal is used to describe a raised and itchy skin lesion, which can be caused by allergies.
- The scale is a dry flaky skin patch that can be gray or white.
- The crust is a scab, or exudate that has dried on the skin.
- The term erosion is used to describe a shallow and open wound on the skin.
- The deeper the ulcer, the more it will spread.
- Fissure (also called a fissure): A small crack or groove on the surface of the skin.
- Linear: a lesion in which the path is straight.
- Annular lesion: An oval-shaped lesion.
- Serpiginous : a lesion with a serpentine or wavy shape.
- Reticular lesion: A pattern that looks like a net or laces.
- Targetoid: Lesion with a dark central spot, surrounded by lighter rings and outer dark rings.
- Morbilliform is a rash similar to measles.