Cutaneous Abnormalities

Cutaneous Abnormalities

Macule -

A small localized change in the color of skin that is neither raised (elevated) nor depressed. Macules are never large. They are basically little spots or blemishes in the skin. They are entirely flat and can only be appreciated by visual inspection; they cannot be seen from the side, just from above.

Papule

A papule is a solid raised lesion that has distinct borders and is less than 1 cm in diameter. Papules may have a variety of shapes in profile (domed, flat-topped, umbilicated) and may be associated with secondary features such as crusts or scales.

Nodule-

A small solid collection of tissue, a nodule is palpable (can be felt). It may range in size from greater than 1.0 cm (3/8 inch) to somewhat less than 2 cm (13/16 inch) in diameter. A nodule may be present in the epidermis, dermis or subcutis (at any level in the skin).

Vesicle:

A vesicle is a circumscribed, fluid-containing, epidermal elevation generally considered less than either 5or 10mm in diameter at the widest point.

Bulla :

A fluid-filled blister more than 5 mm (about 3/16 inch) in diameter with thin walls.

A bulla on the skin is a blister. A bulla on the pleura (the membrane covering the lung) is also called a bleb.

In Latin a bulla was a "bubble, stud or knob." It referred to any rounded protrusion, particularly one that was hollow or cystic.

Cyst:

A cyst is a growth containing liquid that appears inside your body or under your skin.

Pustule

pustule is a small collection of pus in the top layer of skin (epidermis) or beneath it in the dermis. Pustules frequently form in sweat glands or hair follicles. Pus is a mixture of inflammatory cells and liquid.