Types of Primary Skin Lesions

The following are the primary skin lesions:

Skin lesion is an alteration in the integumentary system or skin. There are in two forms, the primary skin lesion and secondary skin lesion. Primary skin lesions are initially appears in reaction to external or internal environment.

Macule

Macules lesions

The lesion appears circular small and flat spot that is less than in (1 mm to 1 cm) in diameter and with the color not the same as that of nearby skin. It has in different shapes usually red, brown, and white. Flat moles, measles, petechiae and freckles are the examples of macule. Macule that is more than in (1 cm) in diameter is called a patch; it has an irregular in shape.

Vesicle

Vesicles

A raised lesion that is less than in (0.5 cm) across. Lesions are round or oval in shape with thin mass filled with serous blood or clear fluid. Herpes simplex, burn blister and early chicken pox are examples of vesicle. Bullae are another example of vesicle that is more than in (5 mm) across. Lesions are cause by chemical burn, exposure to sunlight, insect bites or viral infection.

Pustule

Pustule skin lesion

A raised vesicle or bulla lesion filled with pus. Infection is the primary cause. Acne vulgaris, impetigo and boils are examples.

Papule

Papule skin lesion

A solid elevated skin lesion less than in (1 cm) across. Lesions are rough in texture and usually color pink, red and brown. This lesion is associated with psoriasis, skin cancer, actinic keratosis, and syphilis. Warts, acne, pimples and elevated moles are examples.

Nodule

Nodule skin lesion

A solid elevated lesion that has edges and area 0.5 to 2 cm. Physician describes this as "palpable," where hard mass is felt from the tissue surrounding it. The size of the nodule is more than 2 cm in diameter. The other term is tumor which is associated with lipomas, and keratinous. malignant melanoma and hemangioma are examples.

Wheal

Wheal skin lesion

A red swelling skin itchy lesion and localized edema. Lesion is usually cause by an allergic reaction, insect bites or reaction from drugs. Hives, urticaria and mosquito bites are examples.

Telanglectasia

Telangiectasia skin lesion

A dilated small blood vessels in the surface of the skin. It is often manifestation of certain diseases such scleroderma or rosacea.

Plaque

Plaque skin lesion

A patch of closely grouped papules more than in (1 cm) across. Lesions are rough in texture and color brown, red, or pink. The size is larger than 1 cm. Rubeola and psoriasis are examples.

Cyst

Cyst skin lesion

Elevated skin lesion and encapsulated filled with fluid. The size is 1 cm or larger. Epidermoid and sebaceous cyst and chalazion of the eyelid or meibomian gland lipogranuloma are examples.

http://health.wikinut.com/Types-of-Primary-Skin-Lesions/1d5ptx5h/

Skin turgor is a sign commonly used by health care workers to assess the degree of fluid loss or dehydration. Fluid loss can occur from common conditions, such as diarrhea or vomiting. Infants and young children with vomiting, diarrhea, and decreased or no fluid intake can rapidly lose a significant amount of fluid. Fever speeds up this process. To determine skin turgor, the health care provider grasps the skin on the back of the hand, lower arm, or abdomen between two fingers so that it is tented up. The skin is held for a few seconds then released. Skin with normal turgor snaps rapidly back to its normal position. Skin with decreased turgor remains elevated and returns slowly to its normal position. Decreased skin turgor is a late sign in dehydration. It occurs with moderate to severe dehydration. Fluid loss of 5% of the body weight is considered mild dehydration, 10% is moderate, and 15% or more is severe dehydration. Note: Edema (a buildup of fluid in the tissues that causes swelling) causes the skin to be extremely difficult to pinch up. Home Care A quick check of skin turgor by pinching the skin over the back of the hand, on the abdomen, or over the front of the chest under the collarbone is a good way to check for dehydration at home. Mild dehydration will cause the skin to be slightly slow in its return to normal. To rehydrate, drink more fluids -- particularly water. If turgor is severe, indicating moderate or severe dehydration, see your health care provider immediately.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003281.htm

turgor

[turgr] Etymology: L, turgere, to be swollen the expected resiliency of the skin caused by the outward pressure of the cells and interstitial fluid. Dehydration results in decreased skin turgor, manifested by lax skin that, when grasped and raised between two fingers, slowly returns to a position level with the adjacent tissue. Marked edema or ascites results in increased turgor manifested by smooth, taut, shiny skin that cannot be grasped and raised. Elderly people normally do not have "good" skin turgor because of a lack of skin elasticity, an expected part of aging. An evaluation of the skin turgor is an essential part of physical assessment.
Mosby's Medical Dictionary, 8th edition. 2009, Elsevier.

turgor [terger]
1. swelling or other distention. 2. a condition of normal tension in a cell or group of cells; fullness. adj., adj turgid. skin turgor a reflection of the skin's elasticity, measured by monitoring the time it takes for the skin of the forearm to return to position after it is lightly pinched between the examiner's thumb and forefinger. Normal turgor is a return to normal contour within three seconds; if the skin remains elevated (tented) more than three seconds, turgor is decreased.

http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/turgor