Skin Terminology

Vesicle larger than 1/2 cm; seen with second-degree burns.

Nodule filled with a semisolid material, such as a keratinous cyst.

Hemorrhage or extravasation of blood into the sucutaneous tissue as a result of trauma to the underlying blood vessels or fragility of the vessel walls. The resultant darkening is commonly described as a bruise.

Collection of extravasated blood trapped in the tissues, and palpable to the examiner.

Flat blemish or discoloration less than 1 cm, such as a freckle.

Palpable, solid lesion that may or may not be elevated les than 2 cm, such as a small lipoma.

Solid skin legion raised less tahn 1 cm, such as a pimple.

Large flat nonpalpable macule, larger than 1 cm.

Tiny ecchymoses within the dermal layer.

Raised plateau-like papule greater than 1 cm, such as a psoriatic lesion or seborrheic keratosis

Massive hemorrhage into the tissues under the skin.

Superficial, elevated lesion containing pus that may be the result of an infection, such as acne.

Permanent dilation of groups of superficial capillaries and venules.

Nodule more than 2 cm, any mass or swelling, including neoplasms.

Circumscribed, elevated lesion containing fulid and smaller than 1/2 cm, such as a insect bite.