Dermatology Terminology

Study Notes

Skin Cancer and Abnormal Findings

Skin cancer develops in the tissue of the skin
Pallor: loss of color due to arterial insufficiency, anemia, or decreased oxygenation of the skin
Cyanosis: blue-tinged dull color due to loss of oxygenation
Erythema: increased in red tones due to increased blood supply
Jaundice: yellow skin tones

Lesions

Macule: a flat, brown, purple, or red lesion, less than 1 cm in width (e.g., nevus)
Patch: a flat, brown, purple, or red lesion, greater than 1 cm in width (e.g., Mongolian spot)
Papule: a raised, solid lesion, less than 0.5 cm in width (e.g., elevated nevus)
Plaque: a lesion formed of combined papules, larger than 1 cm in width (e.g., psoriasis)
Nodule: a solid, elevated lesion, which can be firm or soft, less than 1-2 cm in width (e.g., fibroma)
Tumor: a nodule greater than 2 cm in width (e.g., carcinoma of the skin)
Vesicle: an elevated and fluid-filled lesion, less than 0.5 cm in width (e.g., contact dermatitis)
Bulla: a vesicle larger than 0.5 cm in width (e.g., burn blister)
Pustule: a pus-filled vesicle (e.g., acne)
Cyst: an encapsulated fluid-filled sac (e.g., sebaceous cyst)
Wheal: an elevated, erythematous mass with irregular borders (e.g., insect bite)
Fissure: a linear crack that may extend to the dermis of the skin
Erosion: a loss of superficial epidermis that has a moist surface
Excoriation: a superficial abrasion of the epidermis
Ulcer: a deeper depression into dermis than erosion, which is irregular in shape and scars upon healing
Scar: a healed tissue that is replaced with connective tissue and can appear as reddened initially and later as a lightened area in light-skinned patients and an area of darkened pigmentation in dark-skinned patients
Atrophy: thinning of skin surface leaves markings that appear translucent
Crust: a thick, dried exudate that varies in color from red to brown, black, or tan
Scale: shedding of dead keratin cells that appear dry and are white or silver in color
Lichenification: thickening of skin that is a result of scratching the skin
Petechiae: small, 1-3 mm red or purple macule caused by bleeding into the tissues
Purpura: a patch of petechiae, usually greater than 3 mm in width
Ecchymosis: irregular macular lesions that result from bleeding into the tissues and appear red to black in color
Hematoma: an elevated ecchymosis
Telangiectasias: red lines, commonly in a spider-like shape, caused by dilated blood vessels

Abnormal Nail Changes

Paronychia: a painful, red inflammation between the nail fold and nail plate, usually caused by bacteria or fungus
Leukonychia: white spots on the nail resulting from trauma to the nail plate
Onycholysis: the nail separates from the nail bed and appears discolored (yellow, green, black) if a fungal infection is present or can result from nail trauma and appears white
Clubbing: the proximal edge of the nail elevated to greater than 180 degrees associated with long-standing oxygen deprivation to the periphery
Koilonychia: a central depression of the nail, which is associated with iron deficiency
Beau lines: transverse depression of nail plate associated with trauma or disease

Abnormal Hair Changes

Alopecia: patchy hair loss resulting from trauma, illness, chemotherapy, or can be idiopathic
Folliculitis: superficial infection of hair follicles that appears as pustules, with surrounding erythema
Head lice: nits in the hair that are best observed in the occipital area, which are small and translucent
Tinea capitis: patchy hair loss associated with a fungal infection of the scalp
Hirsutism: excessive body hair in females on the face, chest, arms, and legs

Description

Test your knowledge of dermatology terms, including excoriation, ulcer, scar, atrophy, and crust. Learn to identify and explain these skin-related conditions. Improve your understanding of skin health and anatomy.