Describing a Skin Condition
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:
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atrophic
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thin, wrinkled
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blister
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fluid-filled bump
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crust/scab
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formation of dried blood, pus, or other skin fluid over a break in the skin
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cyst
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deeply seated lesion that contains material
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excoriation
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a scratch
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hives/wheals
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pink or white swelling of the skin
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lichenification
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skin that has thickened
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macule
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a flat discolored spot
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nodule/papule
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solid, raised bump
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raised bumps
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bumps that stick out above the skin surface
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patch
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flat, discolored spot
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pustule (pimple)
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inflamed lesions that appear to contain pus
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scales
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dead skin cells that form flakes
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scar
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fibrous tissue that forms after a skin injury
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Online Resources of Dermatology
Date Last Reviewed:
6/30/2008
Date Last Modified:
8/4/2008