Bulla are lesions, like vesicles, but larger. Found above and below the skin, they contain a clear,
watery fluid. They occur in cases of second degree burns.
Pustules are small elevations of skin similar to vesicles in size and shape, but containing
pus. They appear whitish or yellowish in color and may be surrounded by a reddish
inflammatory border. They may develop from vesicles or papules.
A pimple with pus is an example of a pustule.
Wheals are a solid formation above the skin, often caused by an insect bite or allergic
reaction. They are sharply defined and solid, rising above the skin (e.g., a mosquito
bite). These lesions usually develop rapidly, disappear slowly and are accompanied by
itching or tingling.
Hives*, also called Urticaria (ur-ti-KAR-e-uh), are an example of wheal lesions.
Tumors are solid masses in the skin. They are usually more than one cm in diameter. They may
be soft or hard, depending upon their makeup, and may be fixed or freely movable. This classifica-
tion often includes any new skin growths and any localized swelling, which may be elevated or deep.
Skin tumors generally have a rounded shape.
A nodule is a small tumor.
A cyst (sist) is an abnormal membranous sac containing a gaseous, liquid or semi-solid substance.
Secondary Skin Lesions
Secondary skin lesions appear as a disease progresses into the later stages of development and need
to be treated by a dermatologist or medical doctor.
Scales are shedding, dead cells of the uppermost layer of the epidermis. The epidermis nor-
mally undergoes constant exfoliation (removal) of small, barely perceptible flakes of skin. When the
formation of epidermal cells is rapid or the normal process of keratinization is altered, one sees
abnormal exfoliation of the epidermis, which results in scales. They may be dry, such
as psoriasis, or oily, such as dandruff.
Psoriasis (soh-REYE-ah-sis) is round, dry patches of skin, covered with rough,
silvery scales. It is chronic and not contagious.
*Indicates that services may not be performed.
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SALON FUNDAMENTALS
