papule n : a small inflamed elevation of skin that is nonsuppurative (as in chicken pox)

English

Noun

1. A small, inflammatory, irritated spot on skin; similar in appearance to a pimple, without containing pus.

A papule is a small, solid and usually conical elevation of the skin. Papules do not contain pus, which distinguishes them from pustules. Papules often occur in clusters and can accompany rashes.

A condition that causes a papule is called a "Papulosis". Examples of papuloses include:

• Lymphomatoid papulosis
• Bowenoid papulosis
• Clear cell papulosis

Causes

Papules can be caused by:

• Inflammation (which in turn is often caused by infection or abrasion of the skin)
• Accumulated secretion of skin tissue (hyperplasia) or glandular fluids.
• Presence of an infection such as disseminated histoplasmosis.
• Hypertrophy of skin cells
• Acne
• Abnormal growth of blood vessels (see angioma)

See also

• Nodule (medicine)
• Pearly penile papules

External links

• Papule

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