Other Dermatological Terms

There are many other terms used in dermatology. Some of these other terms will be useful in emergency medicine.

ABSCESS: Localised collection of pus (CDC/Bruno Coignard and Jeff Hageman)

ANNULAR: Ring-shaped (CDC/Renelle Woodall)

BURROW: Tunnel in the skin caused by a parasite e.g. scabies (CDC)

CARBUNCLE: Collection of furuncles (Wikimedia/Drvgaikwad)

CRUST: Dried exudate (CDC/Dr. Dancewiez)

CYST: Epithelial lined cavity filled with fluid or semi-solid matter (Wikimedia/Steven Fruitsmaak)

ERYTHEMA: Redness of the skin caused by vascular dilatation (CDC/M.A.Parsons)

EXCORIATION: Superficial abrasion due to scratching (Wikimedia/Berteun)

FOLLICULITIS: Inflammation of hair follicles (Wikimedia)

FURUNCLE: Pyogenic infection of the hair follicles (Wikimedia/Mahdouch)

LICHENIFICATION: Chronic thickening of the skin caused by rubbing or scratching (CDC)

PETECHIA: Haemorrhagic spot 1-2 mm diameter (CDC)

PURPURA: Extravasation of blood causing red discolouration of the skin or mucous membranes (CDC)

Telangiectasia: Dilated dermal blood vessels causing visible lesion (CDC/Robert E. Sumpter)