Determining the Cause

Chief Complaint: Rash

Pivotal Assessment Finding

Lesion Type

 
Lesion Type Description Example Conditions
Macule Flat, non-palpable, <1 cm Measles, tinea versicolor
Papule Raised, solid, <1 cm Lichen planus, warts
Plaque Raised, >1 cm, flat-topped Psoriasis
Vesicle Small fluid-filled bump, <1 cm Chickenpox, herpes
Pustule Pus-filled bump Acne, impetigo
Nodule Larger, deeper lump Erythema nodosum, cyst
Wheal Transient, raised, edematous Hives (urticaria)
Petechiae/purpura Red/purple, non-blanching spots Vasculitis, meningococcemia

 

 

 

 

Rash

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