Lesions/Hair/Nails

Macule

Flat, non-palpable change in color <1 cm (e.g., freckles, rubella)

Papule

Raised, solid lesion <1 cm (e.g., wart, ringworm)

Nodule

Solid, deeper lesion >1 cm (e.g., fibroma, intradermal nevi)

Vesicle

Small, fluid-filled blister <1 cm (e.g., chickenpox, shingles)

Bulla

Large fluid-filled blister >1 cm (e.g., burn blister)

Pustule

Pus-filled lesion (e.g., acne, impetigo)

Wheal

Raised, irregular lesion from edema (e.g., hives, insect bites)

Plaque

Flat-topped, raised lesion >1 cm (e.g., psoriasis)

Cyst

Closed sac with fluid/semi-solid material (e.g., sebaceous cyst)

Scale

Flakes of dead skin (e.g., psoriasis, cradle cap)

Crust

Dried serum, pus, or blood (e.g., impetigo, scab)

Excoriation

Linear scratch or abrasion (e.g., scabies, scratching eczema)

Fissure

Crack-like sore extending into dermis (e.g., athlete's foot)

Ulcer

Deep open sore to dermis (e.g., pressure ulcer)

Lichenification

Thickened, leathery skin (e.g., chronic eczema)

Keloid

Raised scar tissue beyond wound edges (e.g., post-piercing scar)

Scar

Fibrotic tissue left after healing (e.g., surgical scar)

Ecchymosis

Collection of blood in the subcutaneous tissues, causing purplish discoloration; changes color over time (blue-black to greenish-yellow).

Purpura

Purple discoloration from small vessel bleeding into skin; common in patients on blood thinners; may not be visible on deeply pigmented skin.

Petechiae

Tiny, reddish-purple hemorrhagic spots from capillary bleeding; <0.5 mm; may appear on mucosa or conjunctiva in darker skin.

Cherry Angioma

Papular, round, red/purple lesion; benign; often due to aging; visible dilated capillaries.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Most common and least deadly skin cancer; grows slowly and rarely metastasizes; may appear as a pearly or waxy bump.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Slow-growing skin cancer; may appear as a scaly or crusted lump; risk of metastasis if untreated.

Melanoma

Most dangerous skin cancer; may arise from existing moles; high risk of metastasis; ABCDE warning signs.

Ringworm (Tinea Corporis)

Fungal infection causing a red, circular rash with clear center; highly contagious; common in warm, moist areas.

Impetigo

Bacterial skin infection common in children; causes red sores that rupture and form a honey -colored crust.

Cellulitis

Bacterial infection of skin and subcutaneous tissue; causes redness, swelling, and warmth; often due to Staph or Strep.

Herpes Simplex I

Causes cold sores or fever blisters, usually around the mouth; triggered by stress or illness.

Herpes Simplex II

Causes genital herpes; transmitted through sexual contact; recurrent and lifelong.

Pallor

Paleness of the skin; may indicate anemia, shock, or lack of blood flow.

Cyanosis

Bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes due to low oxygen levels in the blood.

Acrocyanosis

Bluish discoloration of the hands and feet, especially in newborns or due to cold exposure.

Jaundice

Yellowing of the skin and eyes due to elevated bilirubin; often indicates liver disease.

Internal Bleeding

May cause swelling, pain, and skin darkening; petechiae may appear on mucosa or conjunctiva if platelets are low.

Alopecia

Hair loss that may be patchy or total; causes include autoimmune disease, stress, aging, or chemotherapy.

Hirsutism

Excess hair growth in women in areas where hair is typically minimal (e.g., face, chest); often linked to endocrine disorders or steroid use.

Pediculosis

Infestation with lice; causes intense itching and visible nits on the hair shaft; spread through close contact.

Clubbing Nails

Enlargement of the fingertips and downward sloping of nails; associated with chronic hypoxia (e.g., lung disease).

Spooning Nails (Koilonychia)

Nails are thin and curve upwards; may indicate iron-deficiency anemia or uncontrolled diabetes.

Thickened Yellow Nails

Common with fungal infections or in older adults; nails may be brittle and discolored.

White Lines on Nails

Usually due to trauma; appear as horizontal lines that grow out with the nail.

White Spots on Nails

Small white marks typically due to trauma or possibly zinc deficiency.

Black Nails

Often the result of blood under the nail (subungual hematoma); may follow trauma.

Beau’s Lines

Abnormal indentation; indicate previous systemic illness or severe stress.

Paronychia

Inflammation of the skin at the base of the nail; often due to infection or trauma like nail biting.