What it means
A broad word for any abnormal area. On the skin, lesions include spots, bumps, blisters, sores and growths; inside the body, a lesion might be a tumor, an ulcer or an area of brain damage seen on a scan. Nurses describe a skin lesion by its size, shape, color, border, raised or flat surface, and any drainage.
For the nurse
Measure and describe lesions in the chart so changes can be tracked. Teach clients to watch moles with the ABCDE rule (Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, Evolving) and report changes.
In a chart
"2 cm round, raised, red lesion on left forearm with clear drainage."
At a glance
| Spanish | lesión |
|---|---|
| Also written | lesions |
Related terms
ulcer
An open sore where the skin or the lining of an organ has broken down.
laceration
A cut or tear in the skin or other tissue, often with jagged edges.
erythema
Redness of the skin caused by more blood flowing in the small vessels near the surface.