Page 16 - LECTURE NOTES

Secondary lesions

Erosion: partial loss of epidermis, which will heal without scaring
Ulcer: full thickness loss of epidermis and some dermis, which will heal with scaring

Atrophy: depression of the surface due to thinning of the epidermis or dermis. There

are often fine wrinkles and blood vessels easily seen under the skin.
Fissure: linear split in the epidermis or dermis at an orifice (angle of the mouth or

anus), over a joint or along a skin crease.
Erythematous or non erythematous. Erythematous lesions are usually indicative of

acute inflammation.
Surface features

Normal/ smooth: the surface is not different from the surrounding skin and feels

smooth
Scaly: dry/flaky surface due to abnormal stratum corneum with accumulation of or

increased shedding of keratinocytes.
Exudate: serum, blood, or pus that has accumulated on the surface.

Friable: surface bleeds easily after minor trauma

Crust: dried serum, pus or blood
Excoriation: localized damage to the skin due to scratching.

Lichenification: thickening of the epidermis with increased skin markings due to
persistent scratching.

Umblicated; surface contains a round depression in the centre, characteristics of

molluscum contagiosum or herpes simplex.

10