Most dermatoses present with skin lesions of more or less distinct characteristics. Macroscopically, these original lesions are known as the "primary lesion", and identification of such lesions is "...the most important aspect of dermatologic examination." However, these lesions may continue to develop or be modified by regression or trauma, producing "secondary lesions". Additionally, on the microscopic level, these lesions can also be characterized by a distinct set of vocabulary.

The lack of standardization of basic dermatologic terminology has been one of the principal barriers to successful communication among physicians in describing skin lesions. For example, in different dermatologic texts, the papule is variously described as no greater than 1cm in size, less than 0.5cm, smaller than a pea, or ranging in size from a pinhead to that of a split pea.

In 1987 the International League of Dermatologic Societies published a glossary of basic lesions that has been a step towards standardization of this basic nomenclature, but there is still no strict set of definitions that have been universally agreed upon.

Recommended Treatments:

Medical Treatment