skin, hair and nails vocab

Bulla

A large, fluid filled blister that is bigger than 1 cm

clubbing

enlargement and rounding of the fingertips and nails, often causing the nails to curve downward

Confluent

When separate skin lesions join together and form one larger area

Cyanosis

a bluish/ grayish color of the skin, lips, or nail beds caused by low oxygen in the blood

Ecchymosis

A bruise caused by blood leaking under the skin

Erythema

Redness of the skin, usually caused by increased blood flow or inflammation

Jaundice

yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, usually caused by too much bilirubin

Keloid

a raised, thick scar that grows beyond the original wound

Leukonychia

white spots or lines on the nails

Linear

a skin lesion or mark that is arranged in a straight line

Macule

A flat, small change in skin color that you can see but cannot feel. Usually less than 1cm.

Nevi

medical term for moles; small, usually harmless areas of extra pigment on the skin

Nodule

A solid, raised lump that is deeper and usually larger than a papule

Pallor

Unusually pale or lighter skin color, which can occur from decreased blood flow or other conditions

Papule

A small, solid, raised bump on the skin, usually less than 1 cm

Patch

A flat area of changed skin color that is larger than 1 cm

Petechiae

Tiny, pinpoint red or purple spots caused by small amounts of bleeding under the skin

Plaque

A raised, solid, flat-topped lesion that is usually larger than 1 cm; may form when papules join together

Pustule

A small, raised lesion filled with pus

wheal

A change in the skin’s color, appearance or texture often caused by irritation,infection,allergy or disease

Scar

Permanent tissue that forms when the skin heals after an injury or wound

Striae

stretch marks caused by stretching of the skin, such as during pregnancy, weight changes or growth

Turgor

The elasticity or firmness of the skin; assessed by gently pinching the skin to check hydration

Vesicle

A small, fluid filled blister , usually less than 1 cm

Zosteriform

A pattern where skin lesions appear in a band like pattern along a nerve, such as shingles (herpes zoster)