6. Clinical Terminology
Fluid filled lesions
Vesicle – small collection
of fluid (<5mm)
Bulla – Larger collection
of fluid (>5mm)
Pustule – visible accumulation
of pus
7. Clinical Terminology
Miscellaneous terms
Telangiectasia – small blood
vessels visible on skin surface
Alopecia - area of hair loss
Blood in the skin
Petechiae (small dots) Larger patches(Purpura)
8. Treatment of Skin Disease - Topical
Bases for topical products
Creams - usually white, need
a preservative, used for
subacute conditions
Ointments - emollients,
occlusive, chronic conditions
9. Treatment of Skin Disease - Topical
Paints and lotions
Drying effect, best for
weeping (acute)rashes and
hair bearing areas
Gels clear, greaseless, dry
when applied, good for face
10. Treatment of Skin Disease - Topical
Powders have a drying effect
and often used for rashes in
intertriginous areas (eg groin,
between toes, under breasts)
Pastes are a combination of
an ointment and a powder
and are less greasy then
ointments and tend to stick
on longer.
11. References
Australasian College of Dermatologists Online
Student Teaching Modules
Images and Explanations of all skin diseases
www.dermnetnz.org
Lecture Notes on Dermatology (Brown and
Burns) Blackwell Publishing
Skin Disease Diagnosis and Treatment
(Habif) Elsevier Mosby Publishing
