Primary Lesion Characteristics

Having completed the history and examination, it is important to be able to describe the findings using the correct terminology.

MACULE: A flat circumscribed area of discoloured skin (CDC)

PAPULE: Circumscribed skin elevation <0.5 cm (CDC/Dr Robinson)

NODULE: Circumscribed lump >0.5 cm (CDC/Dr Steve Kraus)

PLAQUE: Circumscribed disc-shaped elevation: <2 cm = small, >2 cm = large (CDC/Gavin Hart)

VESICLE: Visible collection of fluid <0.5 cm (CDC/Dr Noble)

BULLA: Visible collection of fluid >0.5 cm (CDC/Dr John Noble Jr)

PUSTULE: Visible accumulation of pus (CDC/Brian Hill)

ULCER: Loss of epidermis (CDC/Dr Sellers)

WHEAL: Circumscribed area of cutaneous oedema (CDC/Dr William Foege)