NIC Cosmetology Written (Theory) ExamScientific ConceptsHard
During a client consultation, a cosmetologist identifies a skin lesion that is a small, elevated, circumscribed lesion containing fluid or pus, but no visible blood. Which of the following terms best describes this type of lesion?
- APapule
- BVesicle
- CMacule
- DPustule
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Pustule
A pustule is a small, elevated, circumscribed lesion containing pus. While a vesicle contains fluid, a pustule specifically contains pus, which is indicated by 'fluid or pus, but no visible blood', differentiating it from a vesicle.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. A papule is a small, solid, elevated lesion, but does not contain fluid or pus.
- B. A vesicle is a small, elevated lesion containing clear fluid, but the mention of 'pus' makes pustule a more precise answer.
- C. A macule is a flat, discolored spot on the skin, not elevated or fluid-filled.
Pustule
A small, circumscribed, superficial elevation of the skin containing purulent exudate (pus), typically seen in conditions like acne or impetigo.
- Elevated skin lesion
- Contains pus
- Circumscribed (well-defined border)
- Often seen in infections or inflammation
Memory trick: Pustules are Pockets of Pus