pits Small, sharply demarcated depressions in the skin or nail surface.
pityriasiform scale Delicate and fine scale.
plane A flat or level surface.
plaque A discrete, solid, elevated body usually broader than it is thick
measuring more than .5 cm in diameter. Plaques may be further classified
by shape, size, color, and surface change. click image to view animation
poikiloderma An area of variegated pigmentation, atrophy and telangiectasia. click image to enlarge
polycyclic Formed from coalescing circles, rings, or incomplete rings. click image to view animation
polygonal Having many sides.
powdery Of the nature or consistence of powder or
fine loose particles.
pterygium Scar-like triangular extension of the proximal
nail fold tissue and cuticle distally over the nail plate. The
nail can become gradually eroded at this point and becomes divided
with linear grooves and fragments.
punched-out ulcer An ulcer with a sharply demarcated edge.
punctate Dot-like.
purpura Hemorrhage into skin or mucous membranes which varies in size and
ranges in color related to duration. Types of purpura include palpable
purpura, ecchymosis, and petechiae.
purpura, palpable Raised and palpable, nonblanchable, red
or violaceous discoloration of skin or mucous membranes due to vascular
inflammation in the skin and extravasation of red blood cells. click image to view animation
purulent Producing or containing pus.
pustule A circumscribed elevation that
contains pus. Pustules are usually less than .5 cm in diameter. click image to view animation