Papule

A papule is a solid or cystic raised spot on the skin that is less than 1 centimeter (cm) wide. It is a type of skin lesion.

Open References

References

Gawkrodger DJ, Ardern-Jones MR. Terminology of skin lesions. In: Gawkrodger DJ, Ardern-Jones MR, eds. Dermatology: An Illustrated Colour Text. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 7.

James WD, Elston DM, Treat JR, Rosenbach MA, Neuhaus IM. Cutaneous signs and diagnosis. In: James WD, Elston DM, Treat JR, Rosenbach MA, Neuhaus IM, eds. Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 2.

Molluscum contagiosum - close-up - illustration
Molluscum is a viral infection which generally goes away by itself (is self-limited). The lesions are typically raised, firm, flesh-colored bumps (papules) with a pearly or smooth shiny appearance.
Molluscum contagiosum - close-up
illustration
Molluscum contagiosum - close-up of the chest - illustration
Molluscum is a benign infection which is generally self-limited. The lesions are typically raised, firm, flesh-colored bumps (papules) with a pearly or smooth shiny appearance. These are classical appearing Molluscum. The large lesion in the center is one that has been picked and scratched and shows evidence of low-grade inflammation.
Molluscum contagiosum - close-up of the chest
illustration
Lichen nitidus on the abdomen - illustration
Lichen nitidus consists of tiny flesh colored to pink raised lesions (papules). The papules are asymptomatic but persist for long periods of time. They generally occur only on the abdomen, flexor surfaces of the elbows and palms, and on the male genitalia.
Lichen nitidus on the abdomen
illustration

Molluscum contagiosum - close-up - illustration
Molluscum is a viral infection which generally goes away by itself (is self-limited). The lesions are typically raised, firm, flesh-colored bumps (papules) with a pearly or smooth shiny appearance.
Molluscum contagiosum - close-up
illustration
Molluscum contagiosum - close-up of the chest - illustration
Molluscum is a benign infection which is generally self-limited. The lesions are typically raised, firm, flesh-colored bumps (papules) with a pearly or smooth shiny appearance. These are classical appearing Molluscum. The large lesion in the center is one that has been picked and scratched and shows evidence of low-grade inflammation.
Molluscum contagiosum - close-up of the chest
illustration
Lichen nitidus on the abdomen - illustration
Lichen nitidus consists of tiny flesh colored to pink raised lesions (papules). The papules are asymptomatic but persist for long periods of time. They generally occur only on the abdomen, flexor surfaces of the elbows and palms, and on the male genitalia.
Lichen nitidus on the abdomen
illustration

Review Date: 7/25/2022

Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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Health Library

Papule

Skin lesion

References

Molluscum contagiosum - close-up - illustration

Molluscum contagiosum - close-up

Molluscum contagiosum - close-up of the chest - illustration

Molluscum contagiosum - close-up of the chest

Lichen nitidus on the abdomen - illustration

Lichen nitidus on the abdomen

Molluscum contagiosum - close-up - illustration

Molluscum contagiosum - close-up

Molluscum contagiosum - close-up of the chest - illustration

Molluscum contagiosum - close-up of the chest

Lichen nitidus on the abdomen - illustration

Lichen nitidus on the abdomen

Health Library

Papule

Skin lesion

References

Molluscum contagiosum - close-up - illustration

Molluscum contagiosum - close-up

Molluscum contagiosum - close-up of the chest - illustration

Molluscum contagiosum - close-up of the chest

Lichen nitidus on the abdomen - illustration

Lichen nitidus on the abdomen

Molluscum contagiosum - close-up - illustration

Molluscum contagiosum - close-up

Molluscum contagiosum - close-up of the chest - illustration

Molluscum contagiosum - close-up of the chest

Lichen nitidus on the abdomen - illustration

Lichen nitidus on the abdomen

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