Describing a Skin Condition

Search
How to describe a skin condition:

A physician may ask you to describe your dermatological condition and its location. Here are some of the more common terms that may help you in providing a more accurate description:

atrophic thin, wrinkled
blister fluid-filled bump
crust/scab formation of dried blood, pus, or other skin fluid over a break in the skin
cyst deeply seated lesion that contains material
excoriation a scratch
hives/wheals pink or white swelling of the skin
lichenification skin that has thickened
macule a flat discolored spot
nodule/papule solid, raised bump
raised bumps bumps that stick out above the skin surface
patch flat, discolored spot
pustule (pimple) inflamed lesions that appear to contain pus
scales dead skin cells that form flakes
scar fibrous tissue that forms after a skin injury
UAB Medicine
UAB Health System

UAB Health System

HON Text Only   © 2008 UAB Health System. Phone 1-800-UAB-8816 All Rights Reserved. Disclaimer.

Physicians & Caregivers

Clinical Services & Clinics

Health Information A-Z

Medical Publications

Events

Research & Trials

Login