Skin Lesions Overview

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Questions and Answers

What color of skin is typically associated with jaundice?

Red

Yellow (correct)

Orange

Purple

Which condition is characterized by the rapid swelling of a lesion when stroked?

Darier sign (correct)

Hypercarotenemia

Cutaneous hemorrhage

Pseudoxanthoma elasticum

What skin color may indicate a Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection?

Pink

Green (correct)

Violet

Blue

Which skin lesion color is typically seen in hypercarotenemia?

Orange Signup and view all the answers

What color can deep dermal nevi appear as?

Blue Signup and view all the answers

What is a common cause of black eschars on the skin?

Infarction Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic color of a heliotrope eruption?

Lilac Signup and view all the answers

What skin coloration might result from the deposition of silver in the skin?

Gray Signup and view all the answers

Which type of lesion is characterized by yellowish, waxy appearances and can indicate lipid disorders?

Xanthomas Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is characterized by indurated skin resulting from infiltration or inflammation?

Panniculitis Signup and view all the answers

Which skin lesion is specifically known for its central indentation and is usually viral in origin?

Umbilicated lesions Signup and view all the answers

In which body areas are lesions from psoriasis typically found?

Scalp and extensor surfaces Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is known for affecting areas with a high density of apocrine glands?

Hidradenitis suppurativa Signup and view all the answers

Which skin condition commonly presents with patchy white spots and may be more pronounced around the eyes and mouth?

Vitiligo Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary feature of discoid lupus erythematosus lesions?

Locations on sun-exposed skin Signup and view all the answers

What should healthcare professionals be cautious of when evaluating the color of skin lesions?

Natural skin color differences Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a macule?

It is flat and nonpalpable. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a papule?

A wart Signup and view all the answers

What is true about plaques in the context of skin lesions?

Plaques can be either elevated or depressed. Signup and view all the answers

Which lesions are often incorrectly described as maculopapular?

Erythematous rashes Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between macules and patches?

Patches are larger macules. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of lesion is characterized by being palpable and usually less than 10 mm in diameter?

Papule Signup and view all the answers

What can be considered an example of a macule?

Freckle Signup and view all the answers

Which statement regarding actinic keratoses is correct?

They can appear as papules. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Standardized Description of Skin Lesions

Various terms are used to describe skin lesions: lesion type, configuration, texture, location/distribution, and color.
Rash refers to a temporary eruption on the skin.

Lesion Type (Primary Morphology)

Macules: Flat, nonpalpable lesions < 10 mm; examples include freckles and flat moles.
Patches: Large macules, can be seen in rickettsial infections and rubella.
Papules: Elevated, palpable lesions < 10 mm; examples include warts and insect bites.
Plaques: Elevated lesions > 10 mm; can be flat-topped or rounded.
Induration: Deep skin thickening due to edema or inflammation; indicates conditions like cancer or panniculitis.
Umbilicated lesions: Central indentation, typically viral; seen in molluscum contagiosum.
Xanthomas: Yellowish, waxy lesions associated with lipid disorders; xanthelasma of the eyelid indicates hypercholesterolemia.

Location and Distribution of Skin Lesions

Assess if lesions are single or multiple and their affected body areas.
Patterns of distribution can provide diagnostic clues; e.g., psoriasis affects elbows and knees, while lichen planus often appears on wrists and lower legs.
Vitiligo may present as patchy or grouped lesions, particularly around eyes and mouth.
Discoid lupus erythematosus presents on sun-exposed skin of the face.
Hidradenitis suppurativa occurs in areas with many apocrine glands, such as the axillae.

Color of Skin Lesions

Natural skin color can alter the appearance of lesion color.
Red (Erythema): Indicative of inflammation or infection; common in tumors.
Orange: Seen in hypercarotenemia due to excessive beta-carotene.
Yellow: Associated with jaundice and xanthomas.
Green: May suggest Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection (e.g., green nails).
Violet: Can result from hemorrhage or vasculitis; examples include Kaposi sarcoma.
Lilac: Characteristic of dermatomyositis.
Blue/Gray: Result of medications or metal deposits; conditions like argyria or minocycline pigmentation.
Black: Can indicate melanocytic lesions such as melanoma or necrotizing infections.

Clinical Signs of Skin Lesions

Dermatographism: Skin response leading to raised red lines after light scratching, affecting up to 5% of individuals.
Darier sign: Rapid swelling of a lesion upon stroking; indicative of conditions like urticaria pigmentosa.

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Description

Explore the standardized language used to describe skin lesions, including their types, configurations, textures, and distributions. This quiz will help deepen your understanding of dermatological terminology and improve your ability to assess skin conditions accurately.