Papule

Definition

A papule is a small, well-defined bump in the skin. It is smaller than a nodule; it can be as tiny as a pinhead and is typically less than 1 cm in width, according to some sources, and 0.5 cm according to others.

Evaluation

A papule may have a rounded, pointed or flat top, and may have a dip. It can appear with a stalk, be thread-like or look warty. Ulceration, oozing, bleeding or thin blood vessels may be present in a papule. It can be soft or firm and its surface may be rough or smooth. Some have crusts or scales. A papule can be flesh colored, yellow, white, brown, black, blue or purplish, or varying shades of red. The intensity of redness might indicate how long the papule has been present. There may be just one or many, and they may occur irregularly in different parts of the body or appear in clusters. It may progress to a pustule or vesicle.

Differential diagnosis

Angiofibromas are papules, types of which include the usually solitary fibrous papule of the nose and periungual angiofibroma, and multiple in pearly penile papules, and the facial angiofibromas as may be seen in tuberous sclerosis.

Papules with scale on the palms and soles may occur in secondary syphilis, psoriasis, eczema, tinea manuum, mycosis fungoides. In lichen planus papules may be itchy, flat-topped, polygonal, purplish with white streaks, and can be solitary, or occur in clusters or in a line.

References

References

1. "Papule definition and meaning - Collins English Dictionary".
2. (2020). "Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology". Elsevier.
3. (2019). "Habif's Clinical Dermatology". Elsevier.
4. (2020). "Clinical Pediatric Dermatology: A Textbook of Skin Disorders of Childhood and Adolescence". Elsevier.