FLAT	Macule   Flat, circumscribed area of altered skin color <1cm	Patch   Flat, pigmented lesion >5mm
RAISED	Papule   < 5mm   Raised   Solid lesion	Plaque   >5 mm   Raised flat-topped lesion   Diameter > thickness
BLOOD	Petechia   Small   Nonblanching   Red-brown macules	Purpura   Visible collection of free red blood cells (red, purple, brown)   Nonblanchable	Eccymosis   Large, confluent area of purpura
FLUID	Vesicle   Small papule containing clear fluid	Pustule   Small papule containing pus	Bulla   Large, circumscribed fluid-containing elevation   >5mm

 

Secondary characteristics

• Scale
  • Thick stratum corneum due to increase proliferation or cohesion of keratinocytes
• Crust (scab)
  • Dried serum, pus, or blood (usually preceded by vesicle, bulla, or pustule)
• Fissure
  • Linear split in epidermis &/or crack in (skin) dermis
• Ulcer
  • Loss of tissue affecting the entire epidermis and part of the dermis
  • Surface exudate &/or crusting often present
  • Heals with scarring
• Hyperpigmentation
• Lichenification
  • Focal area of thickened skin with accentuation of skin lines due to rubbing/scratching

Content on this page has not been checked for accuracy. The author's credentials have not been confirmed. Always use multiple peer-reviewed scholarly sources and good clinical judgement in your decision making.

The Compendium platform was created by David Kwinter, MD, CCFP(EM).