Terms Used to Describe Skin Lesions

                    A skin lesion is a part of the skin that has an abnormal growth or appearance compared to the skin around it.

Terms Used to Describe Skin Lesions are :

1. Primary Lesions
✍ Abscess :
A localised collection of pus in a cavity, > 1 cm in diameter
✍ Burrow : 
A linear or curvilinear papule, caused by a burrowing scabies mite.
✍ Comedone :
A plug of keratin and sebum wedged in a dilated pilosebaceous orifice.
✍ Macule :
A circumscribed flat area of altered colour, e.g. freckle.
✍ Papilloma : 
A projecting nipple-like mass, e.g. skin tag.
✍ Papule :
A discrete elevation of skin that may be changed in colour. Those arising from the subcutis may be felt rather than seen. Larger lesions (> 1 cm) are referred to as nodules
✍ Petechiae, purpura and ecchymosis : 
Petechiae are pinhead-sized flat macules of extravascular blood in the dermis. Purpura are larger and may be palpable. Ecchymosis (‘bruise’) is where bleeding involves deeper structures.
✍ Plaque : 
A raised area of skin with a flat top, several cm in diameter, e.g. psoriasis.
✍ Pustule : 
A visible accumulation of pus in a blister.
✍ Scale :
A flake arising from the stratum corneum, e.g. psoriasis.
✍ Telangiectasia :
visible dilatation of small cutaneous blood vessels.
✍ Vesicle and bulla : 
A small (∼ several mm) and a larger (∼ several cm) fluid-filled blister respectively, e.g. pemphigoid.
✍ Weal : 
An evanescent discrete area of dermal oedema, usually white due to masking of local blood supply by fluid, e.g. a nettle sting.

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2. Secondary Lesions
✍ Atrophy : 
An area of thin, translucent skin due to loss of epidermis, dermis or subcutaneous fat, e.g. excess topical corticosteroids
✍ Crust : 
Dried exudate of blood or serous fluid, e.g. eczema.
✍ Excoriation : 
A linear ulcer or erosion resulting from scratching.
✍ Erosion : 
An area of skin denuded by complete or partial loss of the epidermis
✍ Fissure : 
A slit-shaped deep ulcer, e.g. irritant dermatitis of the hands
✍ Scar : 
Replacement of normal structures by fibrous tissue at the site of an injury
✍ Sinus : 
A cavity or channel that permits the escape of pus or fluid
✍ Stria :
A linear, atrophic, pink, purple or white band due to connective tissue changes, e.g. Cushing’s syndrome.
✍ Ulcer : 
An area from which the epidermis and at least the upper part of the dermis have been lost

Reference :
Davidson’s Principles and Practice of Medicine
21st Edition, 2010 (Page No. : 1239)

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-  8 Simple Tips To Fight Acne
-  8 ways to Protect Your Skin From Sun Damage