What are all these words that I keep coming up with, or ones that you have heard of but unsure?  Below I have listed what words I have used and a brief explanation of what they are.  But should you ever be unsure of something that you see on your skin, then do not hesitate to go to your G.P and get it checked out.  (A guide only)

PUSTULE:

This is what we would call a pus filled spot.  It contains bacteria (Yellow) and broken down cells.  It will be raised from the skin surface, also possibly red and sore.

PAPULE:

Another word for a spot as we would know it, but this is smaller than a pustule, it will still be raised from the skins surface, solid and will often develop into a pustule.

COMODONE:

Blackhead, this is caused by the hair follicle being blocked by excess sebum and dead skin cells, which turn black due to exposure of air.

MILIA or MILIUM:

Another word for whitehead.  Small white spot, often found on the cheeks or below the eye area.  This is cause by trapped sebum, as there has been as excess of epidermal skin growth and the sebum is unable to get through, as there is no opening.  This is sometimes is more common with dry skin.  Milia – means that there is more than one.

VESICLE:

Looks very much like a small raised blister that is filled with sebum.  A larger blister is called a bulla.

SCALE:

Dry or greasy patches that are flaking off the skin surface. Could indicate an abnormal development of keratinization.

KELOID:

Is an overgrowth of existing scar.  This will be larger than the original scar from the wound.

MACULE:

This will not be raised above the surface of the skin, either pigmented or red, as this is a decolourisation of the skin.

ERYTHEMA:

Reddening of the surface of the skin, could be as the skin has been stimulated as the blood vessels dilate or an infection could be present.   Although erythema is not always anything to worry about, as during a massage/facial the blood circulation has been increased this will cause erythema, which in turn will encourage cell renewal.