SKIN LESIONS

Karen Andrea Fernndez Mejia

200 12 392
 MACULE
INTRODUCTION
Is a small (up to 1cm in diameter), circumscribed, flat, and thus nonpalpable
change in the pigmentation of the skin. 2

EXPLANATION
A macule may be either hypopigmented or hyperpigmented. Hypopigmented
macules are lighter than your skin. Hyperpigmented ones are darker and are
sometimes referred to as cafe au lait spots.

A rash may be referred to as a macule if its color is different from the color of
your skin. Infections or other diseases can cause this form of macule. 1
can affect:
babies
young children
older adults
CAUSE
Macules can be caused by various conditions that affect the appearance
of your skin, resulting in areas of discoloration. Conditions that are likely to
cause macules are: 1
vitiligo
ultraviolet light exposure

TREATMENT
Treatment options available for the removal of a macule, or macules, for
cosmetic reasons are: 2
Laser surgery, where the macule is zapped away
Cryosurgery, where it's frozen away
Bleaching or peeling agents
 PURPURA
INTRODUCTION
A condition characterized by hemorrhage into the skin. The color is first red, gradually
darkens to purple, fades to a brownish yellow, and usually disappears in 2-3 weeks. 4

EXPLANATION
Is a hemorrhagic disease characterized by extravasation of blood into the tissues, under
the skin, and through the mucous membranes, and producing spontaneous bruises,
ecchymoses, and petechiae (small hemorrhagic spots) on the skin.

When accompanied by a decrease in the circulating platelets, it is called

thrombocytopenic purpura; when there is no decrease in the platelet count, it is called
nonthrombocytopenic purpura. 3
 CAUSE
There are two kinds of purpura: nonthrombocytopenic and thrombocytopenic.
Nonthrombocytopenic means that the patient have normal platelet levels in your
blood. Thrombocytopenic means that the patient have a lower than normal
platelet count. 3

Nonthrombocytopenic Thrombocytopenic
purpura purpura
Disorders that affect blood Recent blood transfusions
clotting
Weak blood vessels An infection in the
bloodstream
Inflammation in the blood Infection by HIV or
vessels Hepatitis C,
Scurvy, or a severe lack of Drugs that cause the body
vitamin C to launch an immune
Certain medications, like reaction against platelets
steroids
DIAGNOSIS
The doctor can examine the patient skin to diagnose purpura and may also perform a
biopsy of the skin in addition to blood and platelet count tests.
These tests will help assess whether or not the patient purpura is a result of a more serious
condition, such as a platelet or blood disorder. 4
TREATMENT
The type of treatment that the doctor will prescribe depends on the cause of the purpura.
Adults diagnosed with mild thrombocyotopenic purpura may recover without any
intervention. Treatments include medications and sometimes a splenectomy.
Corticosteroids
the doctor may start with corticosteroid medication, which can help increase your platelet
count by decreasing the activity of your immune system.
Intravenous immunoglobulin
If the purpura is causing severe bleeding, the doctor may give the patient an intravenous
medication called intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). They may also give you IVIG if you
need to increase your platelet count rapidly before surgery.
 Bibliographic references
1. George Krucik, MD, MBA, 2008. Macule. Healthline, URL:
http://www.healthline.com/symptom/macule

2. Artem Cheprasov, 2010. Macule. Study, Science Courses. URL:

http://study.com/academy/lesson/macule-definition-treatment.html

3. Amber Erickson Gabbey and Erica Cirino.2005. Purpura. Healthline.

URL: http://www.healthline.com/health/purpura#overview1

4. Zawn Villenes. 2015. Purpura. Medical news today, Reviewed by

University of Illinois-Chicago, School of Medicin, URL:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/311725.php