What Is a Skin Rash?

A rash (French rache = a sore) is any abnormal change in the skin color or texture (1).

By another definition, a rash is breaking out of the skin (eruption; exanthema in Greek) (2).

Rashes According To Size, Shape, and Consistency

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Macule

A macule (Lat. macula = spot) is a small (< 1cm) skin discoloration in the level of the skin, neither raised, nor depressed, and therefore non-palpable (3).

Patch

A patch is a macule that exceeds 1cm in size (3).

Papule

A papule (Lat. papula = pimple) is a small (<1cm) palpable, raised, solid, flat skin spot (3).


continue reading Types of Skin Rashes – Terms Explained, Pictures