Describing a Skin Condition
How to describe a skin condition
A doctor may ask you to describe your dermatological condition and its location. Here are some of the more common terms that may help you provide a more accurate description:
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Atrophic
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Thin, wrinkled
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Blister or vessicle
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Fluid-filled bump
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Crust or scab
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Formation of dried blood, plasma, or other skin fluid over a break in the skin
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Cyst
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Deeply seated sac lesion that contains material
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Excoriation
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A scratch or erosion caused by scratching
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Hives or wheals
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Pink or white localized swelling of the skin that is usually itchy
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Lichenification
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Skin that has become thickened, hardened, or leathery from chronic scratching
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Macule
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Flat, discolored spot
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Nodule or papule
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Solid, raised bumps. A nodule is greater than 0.5 cm and a papule is less than or equal to 0.5 cm.
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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, large discolored spot with smooth surface
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Pustule (pimple)
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Inflamed, elevated lesions that appear to contain pus
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Scales
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A buildup of 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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