31. The skin 1 PROFESSIONAL ENGLISH IN USE FOR MEDICINE

PROFESSIONAL ENGLISH IN USE FOR MEDICINE

31. The skin 1

A	Some types of skin lesion Medical term Common word Features macule spot not raised above the surface of the skin papule spot raised above the surface of the skin nodule lump a large papule vesicle small blister filled with fluid bulla blister a large vesicle pustule - filled with pus crust scab dried blood etc. on the surface of the skin scales scales a thin layer of epidermis separated from the skin cicatrix (plural: cicatrices) scar a mark on the skin after healing naevus birthmark a coloured skin lesion present at birth fleshy naevus mole a raised brown naevus verruca wart a nodule produced by HPV furuncle boil a large pustule, or skin abscess Note: the liquid (often yellow) formed as a result of infection is pus. If a lesion is pustular, it is filled with pus.
B	Rashes A single skin lesion can be regular or irregular in shape. When there are many (multiple) lesions, especially macules or papules, the result is a rash, (or spots in common language); for example the rash of an infectious disease such as rubella. A rash is said to erupt, or break out. My little boy has broken out in spots/in a rash all over his body. the following features of a skin lesion are usually noted: A location B size C shape D colour E type For a rash, note also: A distribution (widespread-on many parts of the body, or localized – on one part only) B grouping (scattered – more or less evenly spread out, or in clusters – small groups)

EXERCISES

31.1	Complete the description of herpes zoster (shingles) by replacing the medical words in brackets with ordinary English words. Look at A and B opposite to help you. (1) ______________(herpes zoster) usually starts with pain and soreness. Then red (2) ______________ (macules) appear that develop into groups of (3) ______________ (vesicles) over a particular area on one side of the body. In most patients, new (4) ______________ (lesions) continue to appear for 3 to 5 days. The (5) ______________ (vesicles) become (6) ______________ __________ ____________ (pustular) and then form (7) ______________ (crusts). In severe cases, there may be (8) ______________ (cicatrices) afterwards.
31.2	Read the description of the rash of rubella and complete the notes. look at A and B opposite to help you. The spots are scattered pink macules which appear first behind the ears and on the forehead. The rash spreads rapidly, first to the trunk and then to the limbs. Location and distribution: type of lesion: colour:
31.3	Complete the notes for the rash in the photograph, and suggest a diagnosis. Look at A and B opposite to help you. Location and distribution: grouping: type of lesion: colour:
31.4	Complete the notes for the lesion in the photograph, and suggest a diagnosis. Look at A and B opposite to help you. Location and distribution: grouping: type of lesion: colour:

Answer key