Symptoms and Signs in Dermatology/Printable version

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Symptoms and Signs in Dermatology

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Macules

Macules and Patches compared.

Macules are small skin lesions (<10 mm) characterised by change in colour of skin without any palpable elevation of skin. To be "macular" means the area of abnormality is not palpable; it can't be felt. You might find macular erythema (an area of redness) or a "macular pigmented skin lesion", which could be a junctional nevus (often referred to as a "mole") or lentigo (a kind of freckle). Being macular implies the process does not thicken the skin or represent an increase or decrease of the keratinocytes in this area.


Patches

A Patch is a macule larger than 1.0 cm. It is not elevated or palpable.


Papules

Papules and Plaque compared.

Papules are small lesions characterized by elevation of skin.


Plaques

Plaques are elevated skin lesions larger than papules (> 10 mm). There may or may not be a change in the colour of the skin. Palpable lesions deeper in or below the dermis are called Nodules.


Nodules

Nodules compared.

Palpable lesions deeper in or below the dermis are called Nodules.


Vesicles

Vesicles and Bulla compared.

A vesicle is a small (< 10 mm) blister filled with clear fluid.


Pustules

A pustule.

A Pustule is a small (<10 mm) blister filled with pus.


Bullae

A Bulla is a larger (> 10 mm) blister filled with clear fluid.


Erosions

Ulcers, Fissures, and erosion compared.


Cysts

Sebaceous cyst behind ear.