Abstract
Features that must be part of the description of a primary lesion are listed in Box 11.1. When a patient has several lesions, their distribution must be specified as well as a possibly notable arrangement. It is essential to identify and describe all lesions present and to record their evolution (dynamism). Thus, for example, in chickenpox, primary lesions manifest as vesicles with a cutaneomucosal distribution and no particular configuration. These lesions evolve towards umbilication and crusting, through several asynchronous flares.
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Features that must be part of the description of a primary lesion are listed in Box 11.1. When a patient has several lesions, their distribution must be specified as well as a possibly notable arrangement. It is essential to identify and describe all lesions present and to record their evolution (dynamism). Thus, for example, in chickenpox, primary lesions manifest as vesicles with a cutaneomucosal distribution and no particular configuration. These lesions evolve towards umbilication and crusting, through several asynchronous flares.
Descriptive Features of a Dermatological Lesion
Nature of the primary lesion |
Size of the primary lesion |
Disposition, configuration, and demarcations of the primary lesion |
Shape and configuration: round, oval, polygonal, target shaped, annular, linear, etc. |
Relief: flat, domed, sessile, pediculate, acuminate, umbilication, lobulated, etc. |
Demarcations: well defined, not very well defined |
Symmetry |
Regularity |
Color of the lesion and effect of diascopy |
Anomalies of the cutaneous surface |
Consistence of the lesion |
Normal (comparable to healthy skin) |
Soft |
Firm |
Rough |
Elastic, renitent (resistant to finger pressure) |
Hard |
Depressible |
Fluctuating |
Depth of the lesion |
Temperature and sensitivity |
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Lipsker, D. (2013). Synopsis. In: Clinical Examination and Differential Diagnosis of Skin Lesions. Springer, Paris. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-2-8178-0411-8_11
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-2-8178-0411-8_11
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