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Describing a Skin Condition

How to describe a skin condition:

A physician may ask you to describe your child's 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

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 has formed after a skin injury

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