Describing skin conditions When examining the skin, a dermatologist assesses distribution, morphology and arrangement of skin lesions: their number, size, and
Descriptive terms for scale include: Desquamation (skin coming off in scales) Psoriasiform (large white or silver flakes)
Describing Skin Conditions
1. A lesionis any single area of altered skin. It may be solitary or multiple.
2 Structure of The Skin
The skin is considered to have three parts: the outer epidermis, middle dermis and deep subcutaneous tissue Distribution
Distribution refers to how the skin lesions are scattered or spread out. Skin lesions may be isolated (solitary or single) or multiple Configuration of Lesions
Configuration refers to the shape or outline of the skin lesions. Skin lesions are often grouped Colour
Descriptive terms used to describe skin colour include: 1 Morphology
Morphology is the form or structure of an individual skin lesion. 1. Skin lesions may be flat Skin Surface
The skin surface of a skin lesion may be normal or smooth because the pathologicalprocess is below the surface, either dermal or subcutaneous Secondary Changes
1. Lichenification — caused by chronic rubbing, which results in palpably t…
2 Bulla - elevated, fluid-filled lesion, usually greater than 1 cm
- Macule - flat lesion less than 1 cm, without elevation or depression
- Patch - flat lesion greater than 1 cm, without elevation or depression
More itemsTerminology in dermatology
Lesion A lesion is any single area of altered skin. It may be solitary or multiple. Rash A rash is a widespread eruption of lesions. Dermatosis Dermatosis is another name for for skin disease.