Skin Lesions

Annular

Circular shape of lesions, as seen in tinea corporis (ringworm).

Confluent

Lesions that run together, resembling urticaria (hives).

Gyrate

Lesions that are twisted, coiled, or snakelike in appearance.

Grouped

Clusters of lesions, often associated with contact dermatitis, such as poison ivy.

Linear

A scratch, streak, line, or stripe pattern of lesions.

Target

Lesions resembling the iris of the eye, with rings of color, such as in erythema multiforme.

Polycyclic

Annular lesions that grow together, commonly seen in psoriasis.

Macule

A flat color change in the skin that is less than 1 cm in size, such as a freckle.

Patch

A macule that is greater than 1 cm in size.

Papule

A palpable, solid, elevated lesion that is less than 1 cm, such as an elevated nevus or wart.

Plaque

A merging of papules into an area greater than 1 cm, commonly seen in psoriasis.

Nodule

A solid, elevated lesion that is greater than 1 cm, can be hard or soft, such as a nevus.

Tumor

A mass greater than 1 cm that can be firm or soft and may be benign or malignant, like a lipoma.

Wheal

A superficial raised lesion of irregular shape that appears due to edema, such as a mosquito bite.

Urticaria

Extensive reaction characterized by wheals that are pruritic, commonly known as hives.

Vesicle

An elevated cavity containing clear fluid that is less than or equal to 1 cm, like a blister.

Bulla

A fluid-filled lesion greater than 1 cm in diameter that ruptures easily, often seen in burns.

Cyst

An encapsulated fluid-filled cavity.

Pustule

An elevated lesion containing pus, such as in impetigo or acne.

Crust

Thick, dry exudate of various colors, often referred to as a scab.

Scale

Flakes of skin of various colors, commonly seen in psoriasis, eczema, or dry skin.

Fissure

A linear crack extending into the dermis, which may be dry or moist, such as chelosis.

Erosion

A scooped out shallow depression that does not leave a scar.

Ulcer

A deeper depression into the dermis that leaves a scar, commonly seen in pressure injuries.

Excoriation

Superficial abrasion or scratching that can be crusted.

Scar

Permanent fibrotic change in the skin where collagen replaces normal tissue.

Atrophic Scar

Depressed skin level with loss of tissue, like striae or surgical scars.

Lichenification

Thickened skin resulting from prolonged intense scratching, resembling moss.

Keloid

Benign excess of scar tissue that extends beyond the original site of injury.

Stage 1 Pressure Injury

Non-blanchable erythema; intact but red skin that does not blanch.

Stage 2 Pressure Injury

Partial-thickness skin loss, superficial and shallow, involving only the epidermis.

Stage 3 Pressure Injury

Full-thickness skin loss extending into the subcutaneous tissue, resembling a crater.

Stage 4 Pressure Injury

Full-thickness skin and tissue loss exposing bone, muscle, or tendon.

Hemangioma

Benign proliferation of blood vessels in the dermis, can appear as a port-wine stain.

Petechiae

Small punctate hemorrhages, 1-3 mm in size, appearing dark red, purple, or brown.

Purpura

Extensive patches of petechiae and ecchymosis, greater than 3 mm, flat and red to purple.

Ecchymosis

A purplish patch from blood leakage into the skin, larger than 3 mm, often described as a bruise.

Diaper Dermatitis

Skin rash in infants caused by prolonged exposure to moisture, leading to red, maculopapular patches.

Candidiasis

A yeast infection presenting as red, moist patches; often with scales.

Impetigo

An infection characterized by moist, thin-roofed vesicles with an erythematous base.

Atopic Dermatitis

A chronic inflammatory skin condition due to an overstimulated immune system, causing pruritic patches.

Varicella

Shiny vesicles on an erythematous base commonly described as 'dewdrops on a rose petal'.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Most common skin cancer starting as a small papule with a pearly translucent top.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

A type of skin cancer arising from actinic keratoses, presenting as a scaly patch with sharp margins.

Malignant Melanoma

A dangerous skin cancer that is usually brown or black with irregular borders and various textures.

Toxic Alopecia

Patchy hair loss caused by severe illness or chemotherapy.

Tinea Capitis

Fungal infection of the scalp resulting in patchy hair loss and pustules.

Traction Alopecia

Hair loss due to mechanical factors, often seen in individuals with tight hairstyles.

Seborrheic Dermatitis

Condition presenting with thick, greasy, yellow-to-white scales with mild erythema on the scalp.

Folliculitis Barbae

An infection of hair follicles that causes pustules in the beard area.

Pediculosis Capitis

An infestation of head lice characterized by nits or mature lice on the hair.

Hirsutism

Excessive male-pattern body hair in females, often due to elevated androgens.

Scabies

Highly contagious condition caused by mites forming elevated burrows, leading to severe itching.

Paronychia

Red, swollen, tender inflammation of the nail folds.

Beau Lines

Transverse grooves across the nail bed indicating past trauma.

Splinter Hemorrhages

Red-brown streaks in the nail bed indicating damage to capillaries.

Onychomycosis

A slow, persistent fungal infection of the nails leading to changes in color and texture.

Clubbing

An abnormal nail condition where the inner edge elevates and the angle is greater than 180 degrees.

Pitting

Defined pitting and crumbling of nails associated with psoriasis.

Habit-Tic Dystrophy

Horizontal ridges or depressions in nails due to habitual picking of cuticles.

Furuncle

A painful, pus-filled lesion caused by bacterial infection, often seen as an abscess.